NAMI Moultrie working with first responders

(MOULTRIE, GA)- These small wrist bands aren’t just for show.

As National Alliance on Mental Illness board member, Todd Lynch told me, they’re taking a big step forward for first responders in Moultrie and Colquitt County.

Lynch says, “NAMI’s been working with Moultrie, and the Georgia Public Safety Training Commission, in better enhancing their C.I.T. training. And one of the recruits came up with these wristbands.”

Starting at the end of January, NAMI has been working with the Moultrie police on how to handle a situation with someone who may have a mental disorder.

In a tense situation, the wristbands are able to help patients know that the officers are here to help them.

“Officers can wear these with C.I.T. showing, to let people know non-verbally, when they arrive on scene. They’ll see the bracelet and know the officers are C.I.T. or Crisis Intervention Team trained. That they have specialized training in mental health awareness,” says Lynch.

As they continue to work with first responders in Moultrie and Colquitt County, NAMI is looking to work with more than just law enforcement.

Because these bracelets can make a difference.

Lynch says, “If we have this training in place, and things like these alert bracelets, it can de-escalate a situation much quicker, and make it safer for everyone involved.”

Lynch also tells us they have plans to provide training to the county’s fire and EMS services as well.