Lexington, Ky. – In a significant step towards enhancing mental health support, the city of Lexington is launching a new Community Crisis Response Team to address mental health-related emergencies. This initiative was announced by Mayor Linda Gorton and local officials on Tuesday, marking a proactive response to the increasing need for mental health services in the community.
The newly formed team will assist with emergency calls related to mental health crises, providing a focused and specialized approach to such situations. Chris Perrine, a mental health professional, will collaborate with the city’s emergency medical services (EMS) team to ensure that individuals in distress receive appropriate care. This partnership aims to elevate the level of support available to residents experiencing mental health emergencies.
This initiative is supported by a three-year, $850,000 federal grant awarded to the city by the Kentucky Department for Medicaid Services, which was secured through the joint efforts of the Lexington Police and Fire Departments.
Mayor Gorton emphasized the importance of the program, stating, “With mental health professionals involved like Chris, we can provide a more focused approach for a person who’s in crisis.” The involvement of trained professionals is expected to enhance the response times and effectiveness of EMS in handling mental health emergencies.
Lexington Fire Chief Jason Wells echoed this sentiment, asserting that these crisis teams will significantly improve the level of mental health care within Fayette County. The initiative not only underscores the importance of mental health awareness but also reflects a shift towards integrated emergency responses that incorporate mental health care.
In addition to the crisis team, the grant includes overtime funding for police officers who receive training in mental health counseling. This funding allows law enforcement personnel to be better equipped to handle situations involving mental health crises, ensuring that officers can effectively support individuals in need.
For Perrine, the mission extends beyond just emergency response. He aims to provide a compassionate presence for those reaching out for help. “Without the badge, without the uniform and just being a person to hear somebody out, whatever it may be,” he noted, emphasizing the team’s commitment to listening and responding to individuals in distress.
This initiative represents a pivotal movement in Lexington’s approach to mental health, fostering a more supportive and responsive environment for residents in crisis. As the city moves forward with this program, officials are hopeful that it will create a lasting impact on the community’s mental health landscape.
