Co-Responder Crisis Program

Wisconsin Rapids, Wis. (WFHR, WIRI) – There’s a new program being launched in South Wood County to help de-escalate crisis situations. It’s called a Co-Responder Crisis Response Program.

Co-Responder Crisis Program

 Opportunity Development Centers, Inc. and Opportunity for Hope are collaborating with the Wisconsin Rapids Police Department and the Wood County Sheriff’s Department with this program. It pairs trained law enforcement officers with mental health professionals to respond to incidents involving individuals experiencing behavioral health crises and general mental health related challenges. By working as a team, they can provide effective crisis de-escalation, potentially keep individuals out of the criminal justice system when not necessary and connect them to behavioral health services or other community resources.

Efforts for Best Outcome for All

The Co-Responder or Mental Health Coordinator will be the advocate for the individual while supporting law enforcement. The long-term impact of this program aims to reduce the number of behavioral health crisis calls, the number of emergency detentions, and the amount of time officers are involved. This collaboration between services benefits all parties involved and the community as a whole.

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