Monroe, LA –Northeast Delta Human Services Authority is helping northeast Louisiana first responders by providing critical mental health and addictive disorder training and awareness.
In partnership with the Region 8 Mental Health Community Response Task Force, Northeast Delta is sponsoring a series of Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training courses for public safety professionals. These CIT courses, based upon the Memphis (TN) Model, give first responders the training and tools they need to recognize and understand signs and symptoms of mental/behavioral illness and co-occurring disorders so they can safely deescalate situations when individuals are in crisis.
“Our first responders deserve the best training to serve and protect our community effectively,” said Dr. Monteic A. Sizer, the authority’s executive director. “CIT-trained public safety professionals will grow in their ability to recognize and care for those in crisis who suffer from mental health and addictive disorders and partner effectively with primary care and behavioral providers to get them the treatment they need.”
Northeast Delta is providing this free training to all eligible public safety professionals. Northeast Delta is also providing scholarships to offset the cost of manpower and expenses for Region 8 law enforcement agencies that send full-time law enforcement officers to a 40-hour officer class.
The strategic training of first responders in northeast Louisiana’s 12-parish region further enhances the effectiveness of Northeast Delta’s integrated care model as they provide direction to citizens in crisis needing additional treatment and support. The trainings create connections and partnerships among law enforcement, mental health providers and hospital emergency services to improve the quality of life for individuals suffering from mental illness or disabilities and avoid unnecessary incarcerations.
Two CIT courses will be offered. A One Day Dispatcher/First Responder Class for dispatchers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, and crisis counselors and a 40-hour (one week) Law Enforcement Officer class.
The schedule for the spring trainings is as follows:
CIT One Day Dispatcher/First Responder Classes (for dispatchers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians and crisis counselors):
January 25: Richland Parish (Delhi)
February 8: Union Parish (Farmerville)
February 22: Ouachita Parish (Monroe)
CIT 40 hour Officer Classes:
March 4-8: Richland Parish (Delhi)
May 13-17: Lincoln Parish (Ruston)
May 20–24: Ouachita Parish (Monroe)
For more information about the classes or to register, contact CIT Co-Coordinator Mark Johnson at mark.johnson@bonnersolutions.com or 318.376.3659.
About Northeast Delta Human Services Authority (NE Delta HAS)
Northeast Delta HSA manages the operation of community-based programs to improve the quality of life for individuals with major mental illness, developmental disabilities, and addictive disorders. Northeast Delta accomplishes this by utilizing a nationally-recognized and integrative approach that identifies and addresses behavioral and primary health care needs.
Our agency operates through collaboration with regional partners in business, prevention, education, and care in 12 parishes (Caldwell, East Carroll, West Carroll, Ouachita, Lincoln, Madison, Franklin, Morehouse, Jackson, Tensas, Richland, and Union). Northeast Delta is devoted to delivering programs and services that encourage citizens of northeast Louisiana to reach their full human potential. Three tenets guide these efforts: excellent customer service, greater access to services, and competent, quality care.
NE Delta HSA Media Contact :
Will Sutton
Public Information Director
2513 Ferrand Street
Monroe, LA 71201
Office: (318) 362-4538
Email: will.sutton@la.gov
NE Delta HSA Press & Media
www.nedeltahsa.org
