On Tuesday, March 20, at the monthly meeting for the Berrien County Suicide Prevention Coalition (BCSPC), we will hear from representatives from various county agencies involved in emergency responses to 9-1-1 emergency line calls related to a suicide crisis.
Calling 9-1-1 is an option we know we can turn to if needed when preventing a suicide. But do you know:
• How that call would be handled?
• What protocols or procedures are in place?
• What training the dispatcher has received regarding suicide?
• If police are sent, what happens when they arrive?
• What training they have and what are their options or limitations?
• What happens if an ambulance is needed?
• What is involved in a wellness check or a Mental Health Petition?
Get the answers to these and other questions you may have. Representatives from the 9-1-1 dispatch center, the sheriff’s department, the state police, Medic 1 and the Crisis Intervention Team (C.I.T.) will be our guests at the March meeting of the Berrien County Suicide Prevention Coalition.
The public is invited on Tuesday, March 20, noon to 1 pm, at the Berrien Conference Room at the Health Department (2149 E. Napier Avenue, Benton Harbor). Those who live with or interact with someone with mental illness such as school personnel, counselors, social workers, medical personnel, and the general public are encouraged to attend because anyone could have contact with a suicidal person.
To make sure we provide enough seating, please RSVP to trentwatford@gmail.com or at the event at the Berrien County Suicide Prevention Coalition Facebook Page.
The Berrien County Suicide Prevention Coalition is an advisory committee of Berrien Mental Health Authority (Riverwood Center). Contact Trent Watford at 269-428-7226 or email him at trentwatford@gmail.com for questions about the presentation. For more information on the Coalition, see their website at BerrienCares.org.