Aspire partnering with APD to assist with calls for mental health episodes

Governor Brian Kemp recently signed Georgia House Bill 1013 to have licensed clinicians attached to police departments.

ALBANY, Ga. – There’s a new partnership between the Albany Police Department (APD) and Aspire. It’s hoped to bridge the gap between calls of criminal activity, that may be more of a mental health crisis.

While officers are trained to handle situations with people who are having mental health episodes, this new program with the help of Aspire certified clinicians will now be able to help assist those who are dealing with mental health crises or substance abuse.

“How are ways that we can help address people who are dealing with these situations rather than going to jail; and some of them just may need some alternative treatment…” said Albany Police Chief Michael Persley.

Chief Persley says that they are now going to deal with those issues with a new program, entitled R.E.A.C.H. Which stands for Responding, Engaging, and Cultivating Hope.

Officers will still respond to police calls, but now with new form of backup.

“…once they make the determination that R.E.A.C.H. can help, then they’ll notify them to come out.” said Persley.

Tracy Knighton is a licensed counselor of NOVA Counseling & Consulting Services; and tells us that over the past few years, mental health awareness has increased.

“This partnership now between the police department and Aspire is really going to help our community even more shine a light on the needs for mental health providers.” said Knighton.

She believes the programs greatest aspect is getting help to those who need it, when they need it.

“A lot of times, people who are having a mental health crisis may get the help they need in that moment, but that follow up care is not there. And so being able to have a person from Aspire there with the police department to manage the crisis that is taking place then, but then being able to direct the individual with ongoing care after that. That’s what make it so good.” said Knighton.

Both Chief Persley and Knighton agree those in mental distress can present a danger to themselves and others, but sometimes a counselor can control a crisis more effectively than an officer with handcuffs.

“They may be at a point they don’t know who they are an all they see is a uniform coming and at that point it can turn into a very dangerous situation…” said Persley.

“So what may look as aggressive behavior to someone who is not a trained professional, really isn’t aggressive behavior. It’s behavior that a person may see themselves, they need to protect themselves.” said Knighton.

This partnership was made possible by a $2.5 million grant.

Both APD and Aspire are working to partner with Dougherty County EMS and the Sheriff’s Office in the future.

Persley says that officers and clinicians have been trained, but wanted them to go through trainings together as a team. They will start working in the filed beginning in May.