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Council approves application for DOJ grant to pilot sobering-and-stabilization center at Mental Health Cooperative
Summary
The Metropolitan Council approved RS2026-2008 to apply for a three-year, $1.6 million U.S. Department of Justice grant to pilot a sobering-and-stabilization center at Mental Health Cooperative in MetroCenter; the pilot would operate three days per week and accept countywide referrals.
The Metropolitan Council on June 16 approved a resolution to authorize an application to the U.S. Department of Justice for a comprehensive opioid, stimulant and substance-use site-based grant to implement a pilot sobering-and-stabilization center.
Council members recognized Mr. McDonough, the city’s director of nightlife, who said the center would serve as “a third option” for first responders instead of emergency departments or jail. Mr. McDonough said the pilot is intended to reduce emergency-room visits and incarcerations by giving first responders an alternative drop-off location for people who are intoxicated or experiencing a substance-use crisis.
Natalie Marshall of the Mental Health Cooperative, which staff said would operate the pilot, described the proposed onsite services: medical triage by a paramedic, certified peer-support specialists and counselors who would meet with individuals, assess for treatment readiness and coordinate next steps. “If someone comes in off of Broadway and they’re intoxicated and they just need a place to sleep and a safe way to get back to their friends,” Marshall said, staff can “let them sober up, give them water, some pretzels, some food, and call them a ride.”
Council member Mr. Benton asked whether the grant was for $1.6 million and whether Metro would provide a cash match; staff confirmed the grant amount as $1.6 million and said there is no Metro cash match required “at this time.” Officials said the pilot space for the initial phase is being donated by Mental Health Cooperative at MetroCenter and that referrals would be accepted countywide.
Staff said the grant period would be three years and that the initial pilot would operate three days a week with a goal of expanding services and funding streams over that period if the pilot demonstrates need and efficacy. Questions from council members included whether frequent downtown users could repeatedly use the center; officials said nationwide experience shows both one-time and frequent users access such centers, and the pilot would be open to both.
The council voted on RS2026-2008 and recorded seven in favor, zero against and zero not voting; the resolution passed.
