The city of Columbus is rolling out a four-to-six-week pilot program on Monday that will help determine whether 911 calls need an emergency response by police and firefighter-medics or by others, such as social workers or clinicans who are better equipped to deal with mental health or substance abuse issues. For far too often and long, we ve asked police officers to be social workers, medics, Mayor Andrew J. Ginther said Friday during a news conference to announce what is being called the Alternative Response Pilot Program. The event was held at Columbus Public Health near Downtown.
A paramedic and Columbus Public Health clinician will be embedded in the city s 911 call center to help triage calls and determine whether police and fire should be responding to calls or someone else, said Columbus Fire Capt. Matt Parrish.
Times Leader Staff Writer
ST. CLAIRSVILLE Belmont County marked Foster Parent Appreciation Month Wednesday, recognizing the families who have opened their arms to children who have experienced trauma at home, compiled with being removed from their birth parents.
The county commissioners heard from Belmont County Department of Job and Family Services Director Jeff Felton and staff including Children Services Administrator Christine Parker
Felton said the county currently has 31 licensed foster homes, and more are expected to be available soon.
“Seven more are in the pipeline to be certified. They went through training and have to do home studies, background checks and references,” Felton said.