Hennepin County Profile

To learn more about the work of Hennepin County, the District 3 team profiles employees of the county who live in the district. Each month we spotlight a different person from varying departments and occupations. Find out about the day-to-day aspects of occupational fields and work environments at the county, and how each person’s work affects your life.

Kay Pitkin Administrative Manager, Emergency Mental Health Services Public Health Department Kingfield Neighborhood Just started 25th year at Hennepin

Describe your work.

I manage county operated programs, contracts , and relationships with other agencies like police, hospitals, and schools as related to mental health crisis and prepetition screening for civil commitment. The work we do helps people who urgently need mental help or are experiencing critical issues that require a mental health response. I see the work in terms of health and safety: mental health services are a health care service, and many of the situations we’re involved in are safety issues. Our goal is to help people in crisis to stay in their homes, school or work, and communities and connect them with mental health services as soon as possible, or to make sure that they are able to receive the right level of care to return to the community as soon as possible. This is just a sliver of the mental health services available in Hennepin, but it is an important one.

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What part of your job do you find most challenging?

I think those of us doing this work find ourselves challenged to make effective connections with all the supports that will improve residents’ lives and fit with their goals and plans. We have a rich service system and resources in Hennepin, and set the bar high for ourselves to make good use of those connections. Personally, as a resident of District 3 and Minneapolis, I challenge myself every day to make my community better.

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What do you find most enjoyable?

Being able to see people experience success is enjoyable. We often see people at some of the worst times of their lives, and may see them progress to a point where they are living a happier and healthier life, and meeting their goals including being well, living independently, attending school, or working. Making a difference in my community also brings satisfaction. 

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What is one thing everyone should know about the work you do?

It is important for the public to know that there is a safety net and help available when someone is in a mental health emergency. Our programs and partnerships are key parts of the effort to prevent suicide as well. We work in public health to promote good health, and in our programs to allow those in mental health crisis and high need to recover good health.  Lastly, if you or someone you know is in a mental health emergency, please contact us. We’re here to help.

Kay Pitkin is a resident of the Kingfield neighborhood in Minneapolis, and is the Administrative Manager for Emergency Mental Health Services in the Public Health Department. Hennepin County can help people who are in the midst of a mental health crisis. For adults in crisis, call Community Outreach for Psychiatric Emergencies (COPE) at 612-596-1223. Hennepin can also provide support to children 17 and younger who are experiencing a crisis by calling 612-348-2233. If someone is in immediate physical danger, call 911. For more information, click here.