Marion County commissioners on Wednesday will consider renewing its funding for a program that sends mental health professionals right to people in the middle of a crisis.
Since 2014, a mental health professional has paired with a Sheriff’s Office deputy to respond to 9-1-1 calls involving mental health crises, said Ann-Marie Bandfield, program manager for Marion County’s Acute and Forensic Behavioral Health Services.
The Marion County Board of Commissioners will consider renewing the two-year, $300,000 contract. Since it started, less than 3% of people contacted by the response team are taken to jail.
“The officers are doing a fantastic job of interacting with other agencies, really helping explain what we are, who we are, what we’re doing,” Bandfield said.
The cities of Salem and Woodburn both offer the mobile crisis services as well.
Meeting details: Wednesday, Aug. 14 at 9 a.m. in the Senator Hearing Room at Courthouse Square, 555 Court St. N.E.
Commission members: Kevin Cameron, Sam Brentano and Colm Willis.
Have a tip? Contact reporter Troy Brynelson at 503-575-9930, [email protected] or @TroyWB.
