Early Intervention Key to Collaborative Project Funded by the Hillsboro Community Foundation
February 11, 2019
Newton, Kan. (February 11, 2019) – Prairie View is pleased to announce that it has received a $2,000 grant from the Kansas Health Foundation-Hillsboro Fund funded through the Hillsboro Community Foundation affiliate of Central Kansas Community Foundation.
In partnership with the Hillsboro Police Department, Prairie View will work on incorporating mental health advocacy and awareness into the community. Law enforcement officers report that up to 35 percent of community interactions are behavioral health related.
“Working more closely with law enforcement is an important next step in improving and enhancing community health, safety and wellness,” says Eric Schrag, director of advancement at Prairie View. “Improving connections, referral infrastructure and intentional processes will improve our ability to address mental health needs early on and alleviate unnecessary emergency room visits and court expenses. Our goal is that individuals can get the right help at the right time.”
Because law enforcement cannot currently assess crisis situations adequately without specialized knowledge, Prairie View will provide mental health expertise around the clock to assist them and EMS personnel onsite or by secure technology.
Early intervention is key to serving the mental health needs of the community. EMS dispatchers estimate 20 percent of their annual calls involve mental health factors, yet Prairie View is not always involved early enough to avoid other costly interventions. Law enforcement will be able to utilize a referral template that gives them immediate referral connections to Prairie View access clinicians.
When law enforcement makes initial contact with an individual, whether in a routine situation or a crisis situation, who in their opinion would be benefit from mental health care services, a referral form will be filled out and submitted to Prairie View. Access clinicians will follow up within 24 hours either utilizing same-day appointments or tele-med services.
“The goal is for individuals who would benefit from mental health care to receive care and avoid issues utilizing law enforcement down the road,” says Schrag.
The Hillsboro Community Foundation affiliate of Central Kansas Community Foundation exists to promote and facilitate charitable giving in support of projects and programs that enhance the quality of life in Hillsboro, Kan. http://hcfoundationks.org
Central Kansas Community Foundation mission is “Building Stronger Communities Through Charitable Giving.” Founded in 1995 Central Kansas Community Foundation based in Newton, Kansas is an intermediary between donors and charities, the community foundation helps donors establish funds that financially support meaningful, charitable programs and services in their community. Central Kansas Community Foundation also host numerous affiliate community foundations throughout Central Kansas. www.centralkansascf.org