First responders in Reno, including police, fire crews, and EMS, now have access to a new tool designed to enhance their response to emergencies. The Reno Police Department has introduced the Mental Health Online Registry, or MHOR, a voluntary initiative allowing individuals and caregivers to submit information about mental or physical conditions.
Chris Johnson, public information officer for the Reno Police Department, explained, “Mental Health Online Registry is a new initiative here at the Reno Police Department that will allow individuals to essentially sign up and notify us if they have any mental or physical conditions.” The registry enables users to provide details such as mental diagnoses, preferred communication methods, and potential triggers, along with personalized calming techniques and emergency contacts.
Johnson noted that understanding these factors can help reduce the risk of escalation during a mental health crisis, leading to better outcomes. “Sometimes it could present itself if you’re responding to a mental health crisis like something else like maybe that person might be acting a certain way or saying certain things and it just might seem a little weird or a little off,” he said…