Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Mental Health topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
County approves funding for second crisis care team in the city
Summary
The Legislature accepted $65,000 and authorized a position to create a second crisis alternative response care team in the city, using city-contributed funds and existing program structures to expand mental-health outreach and reduce emergency responses.
Tompkins County legislators approved a $65,000 allocation and authorization to create a licensed clinician position to expand the county's crisis alternative response care team in the city.
Health & Human Services chair Travis Mix explained that the funds — $65,000 redirected from a city outreach allocation — would support a second care team focused on crisis response and warm handoffs to community services. Supporters described the care-team model as a preventative alternative to emergency-room and law-enforcement responses, and said an additional team in the city would improve continuity of services and referrals.
The resolution (J, ID 13854) passed on roll call; members asked for clearer data about the proportion of emergency calls served by care teams and whether after-hours coverage would be expanded. County staff said a mobile crisis team provides after-hours coverage and that care teams are a more intensive, dedicated resource for daytime and coordinated responses. The Legislature directed staff to proceed with implementation and report back on outcomes.
