Pilot program sends unarmed professionals to assist with mental health crises

CLEVELAND — Counselors at FrontLine Service take calls from those who may be suffering a mental health crisis and can now send help to people in need.

“It’s an unarmed mental health professional including a peer, so that’s a certified individual with lived experience in mental health or addiction, and there they respond to nonviolent mental health crisis,” said Scott Osiecki, CEO of the ADAMHS Board of Cuyahoga County.

Cuyahoga County and the City of Cleveland have teamed up to launch the Care Response pilot program in zip codes 44102 and 44105. People can call 998 and speak to a counselor and have the option of having a counselor and peer come to them in person. The zip codes were chosen based on areas making the most behavioral health calls. The county said its goal is to provide a health-first compassionate approach…

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