Wicked Local
Editor s note: In the final part of our series, we take a closer look at what the local police response to mental health issues has been like during the pandemic.
The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have impacted all facets of life including mental health. Like local emergency room departments and private clinicians, local police departments have also seen a significant increase in mental health calls since March 2020.
Local police
Boxborough Police Chief Warren Ryder estimates a 30-40% increase in mental health-related calls during the pandemic compared with the previous year.
Maynard Police Chief Michael Noble said it is difficult to tally the exact number of mental health calls as they are called in and identified as several different incidents, perhaps as a disturbance, domestic dispute, or medical issue. The department s mental health referrals, however, are up 105% from the quarter before COVID.
Wicked Local
Editor s note: In the final part of our series, we take a closer look at what the local police response to mental health issues has been like during the pandemic.
The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have impacted all facets of life including mental health. Like local emergency room departments and private clinicians, local police departments have also seen a significant increase in mental health calls since March 2020.
Local police
Boxborough Police Chief Warren Ryder estimates a 30-40% increase in mental health-related calls during the pandemic compared with the previous year.
Maynard Police Chief Michael Noble said it is difficult to tally the exact number of mental health calls as they are called in and identified as several different incidents, perhaps as a disturbance, domestic dispute, or medical issue. The department s mental health referrals, however, are up 105% from the quarter before COVID.
Maynard residents frustrated, unable to register for COVID-19 vaccination
So far, Dottie and Jack MacKeen have been unable to book an appointment for a COVID vaccine.
It’s not for lack of trying.
The Maynard couple has completed the application process on the state website, attesting they are eligible to receive the vaccine because of their age. They have tried to find a site with available vaccines but so far haven t had any luck.
“That has been a frustration for everyone and not just for those of us trying to get the vaccine, but also for the organizations trying to supply the vaccine,” Dottie said.