May 7, 2019
Lake County Board Working to Address Mental Health Crisis in Lake County
There is a growing need for crisis/wellness drop-off resources in Lake County for people struggling to manage their mental health. The Lake County Board recently acted to initiate a study for a Lake County Wellness Care and Drop Off Center. And in late April, Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart and Vice-Chair Mary Ross Cunningham hosted a full-day workshop to bring community members together to develop the vision for a Lake County Crisis Care Model.
Studies show that one in five adults in the United States have experienced a mental health crisis. In 2018, the Lake County Health Department received 4,289 crisis calls from persons seeking mental health assistance. Even though the need is great, currently, the only options available for law enforcement officers responding to individuals experiencing a mental health crisis are transportation to jail for low-level offenses or to a hospital emergency department.
"The vision of a crisis center in Lake County is shared by many people in the criminal justice system who see people cycle in and out of our jail due to their battle living with serious mental illness," said Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart. "One woman was in and out of the Lake County Jail 17 times in one year due to her untreated mental illness. It is imperative that we address this critical issue, and provide an alternative to incarceration and a place for people to get the help they need."
To help expand the landscape for mental health care in Lake County, the Lake County Board passed a resolution authorizing an agreement with Wold Architects and Engineers for architectural/engineering design services for a Lake County Wellness Care and Drop Off Center Study. The study will analyze current resources, space requirements, and program constraints, and offer options and alternatives for how a Wellness Care and Drop Off Center might work in Lake County.
In addition to the study, Lake County hosted a full-day workshop at the end of April that brought together law enforcement, health care providers, and stakeholders with knowledge and experience in the mental health field to discuss the issue. Attendees evaluated evidence-based best practices and emerging trends from around the country. The workshop commenced a community-wide action plan discussion based on goals, resources, and priorities identified by the group, and a clear vision of a crisis care model in Lake County.
“This is a tremendous opportunity, and we're looking forward to building on the mental health services offered in Lake County by developing a countywide crisis care model, which will improve response and care for those in need," said Interim County Administrator Amy McEwan.
The public can learn more about mental health and how to manage crisis situations by attending a free one-day Mental Health First Aid Training course. Classes will be held throughout the year at various locations in Lake County. Those interested can learn more and sign up for a class at mentalhealth.today/register.
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