In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the findings of a comprehensive study on Dane County's mobile crisis response system, conducted by Centerstone, a leading behavioral health services provider. The study was initiated to address gaps in the county's mental health crisis services, following recommendations made in 2021 that lacked a detailed implementation roadmap.

Becky Stoll, Senior Vice President for Crisis Services at Centerstone, presented the findings, highlighting the importance of evidence-based practices and national best practices in developing an effective mobile crisis response system. Stoll noted that while Dane County has made significant investments in mental health and suicide prevention, there is a critical need for improved data collection and analysis to enhance service delivery.

The study involved extensive engagement with local stakeholders, including law enforcement and mental health service providers, to assess the current state of crisis response services. Stoll emphasized that despite the county's efforts, there appears to be a lack of coordinated mobile crisis responses, which could benefit from a restructuring of existing resources.

Among the key recommendations was the need to streamline and enhance the mobile crisis response framework, potentially positioning Dane County as a model for other cities to emulate. Stoll referenced successful models from other regions, suggesting that with the right adjustments, Dane County could lead the way in effective crisis intervention strategies.

The meeting underscored the county's commitment to improving mental health services and the importance of collaboration among various agencies to create a more responsive and effective crisis care system.