Making a Difference in Gwinnett: Mental Health Task Force
By Senior Deputy Ashley Castiblanco, Public Information Officer Gwinnett County Sheriff Keybo Taylor established the Mental Health Task Force to decriminalize mental illness within the criminal justice system and actively reduce the community’s stigma. The team focuses on intervening and de-escalating encounters with mentally ill individuals experiencing a crisis. The Mental Health Task Force’s mission is to advocate, educate, and enforce the shift of mentally ill persons out of the criminal justice system and into the proper care facilities. Mental Illness Stigma has traditionally been a catalyst in the migration of the mentally ill into the criminal justice system due to its consistent detrimental effect on the help-seeking behaviors of the mentally ill and
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their families. Since its inception, the Mental Health Task Force has intervened in fifty-one cases. One of these cases involved a 19-year-old female in Snellville who was experiencing a crisis. She was having suicidal ideation and anxiety. Mental Health Task Force deputies were able to approach her, intervene, de-escalate and refer her to one of their partners, Ridgeview Behavioral Health. Deputies completed a bio-psycho-social assessment and safely transported her to Ridgeview Monroe at her own free will. At Ridgeview Monroe, she received six days of psychiatric care. This situation could have ended tragically, but by utilizing proper training and de-escalation techniques, the Mental Health Task Force was able to calm this young woman and take her to receive medical attention. Mental Health Task Force deputies also conduct follow-ups on the citizens they aid. A few weeks passed, and deputies followed up on this young woman. She was very appreciative that deputies supported her and assisted her through her crisis. Helping a citizen, preventing a tragedy, and ensuring they can go home to their families truly is one of the most rewarding feelings. This is why we serve. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, you do not have to suffer alone. For help, please contact the Georgia Crisis and Access Hotline at 1-800-715-4225. More information at GCSOMHTaskForce@GwinnettCounty.com.
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