Douglas County commissioners on Jan. 13 formally recognized members of the county’s Community Response Team (CRT) for their work in a recovery case that officials said illustrates the program’s goal of diverting behavioral-health crises from emergency rooms and the criminal justice system.

Laura Cincone, mental health division manager for Douglas County (speaking for staff), told the board CRT pairs a specially trained law-enforcement officer with a clinical mental‑health professional to respond to 911‑generated mental‑health and non‑criminal substance‑use crises and to provide follow‑up connections to care. She introduced clinician Christina Brown and Deputy Ryan Birch for a recognition tied to the recovery of Jessica Moyer, whom staff said first engaged with CRT in February 2025 and later reported nearly 10 months of sobriety.

"This is the response behind the numbers," Cincone said, noting CRT’s role in allowing patrol officers and other emergency responders to return to service while clinicians lead crisis care and follow-up support. Sergeant Stephanie Durell, who supervises the CRT co‑responder teams, praised Brown and Birch for "unwavering patience, understanding and resourcefulness" in serving residents in crisis.

Jessica Moyer addressed the board and described being "on the brink of death" before CRT intervened. She said Brown provided resources and legwork she could not complete on her own, and that Deputy Birch escorted her to the hospital and ensured she received timely care. "Since then, they've been diligently checking up on me. I have been sober now for almost 10 months," she said.

Commissioners highlighted CRT’s broader role in the county, including its links to the HEART homeless engagement team, and recounted ride‑along experiences that, they said, convinced them of the program’s value. The board presented awards to Brown and Birch and thanked staff and community partners for the program's ongoing work.

The board did not take policy or budget action tied to the recognition during the meeting. The presentation, public testimony and awards occupied the early part of the Jan. 13 agenda.