3 months ago Share The Behavioral Health Response Team is an initiative designed to produce better outcomes for individuals dealing with issues related to mental health and substance abuse.
First Step of Sarasota has launched a pilot program intended to serve people with behavioral health needs while improving upon interactions between those individuals and law enforcement personnel.
At a news conference today, First Step CEO Gwen MacKenzie announced the formation of the Behavioral Health Response Team, an initiative created in partnership with the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office and Sarasota Police Department.
MacKenzie said clinicians on the Behavioral Health Response Team will identify individuals who have experienced crises related to substance addiction or mental illness resulting in 911 calls and law enforcement intervention. MacKenzie said the team will work with those individuals and their families to create specialized safety plans designed to accommo