Chelan County BHU honored during National Co-Responder and Crisis Responder Week
(Above photo: The Chelan County BHU team has grown to six mental health professionals in three years. Three of the team's members were on hand Sept. 17 for the passing of a proclamation declaring the third week in September as National Co-Responder and Crisis Responder Week in Chelan County. From the left are Olivia Cordell, outreach case manager; program manager Ana Gonzalez; and Erika Hamilton, outreach case manager. And don't forget K9 Roux, the team's in-house therapy dog.)
The week of Sept. 15 marks National Co-Responder and Crisis Responder Week, a time to honor mental health professionals who respond beside law enforcement to people in need of behavioral health support.
On Sept. 17, Chelan County commissioners passed a proclamation that shines a spotlight on the essential work of the Chelan County Behavioral Health Unit, or BHU, which celebrated its third anniversary on Sept. 1.
Over the past three years, Ana Gonzalez, the program manager, has dedicated herself to expanding the team and enhancing social service resources for community members, not only in Chelan County but also in Douglas County.
The Behavioral Health Unit has grown to include six team members, ensuring nearly 24-hour coverage throughout the week, with additional coverage on weekends. Since 2022, the team has engaged in 14,067 contacts and has presented at two National Co-Responder Conferences.
This unit is responsive to calls for services that incorporate social services elements. These calls encompass a range of issues, including welfare checks, suicide threats, domestic disturbances, and trespassing incidents. “Individuals call 911 on their worst days, while others contact us due to safety concerns for themselves, loved ones, or the public. Our partnership with law enforcement and other first responders enables us to approach these situations safely and provide necessary assistance,” said Gonzalez. The BHU is also part of the East Cascade Crisis Negotiation Team in conjunction with the East Cascade Regional SWAT Team.
The Chelan County Sheriff’s Office has played a crucial role in developing safety training for the Behavioral Health Unit. Recently, both the Sheriff’s Office and the Behavioral Health Unit were invited to create a comprehensive 10-hour state-wide training program focused on co-response safety practices, in collaboration with the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs.
The Behavioral Health Unit has also played a vital role in enhancing the well-being of officers and first responders. It has been instrumental in obtaining grants that facilitate additional training in the valley on critical incident debriefings, peer support, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and overall health. Additionally, the BHU has initiated a monthly newsletter titled "Supporter," which covers wellness topics and community events. The unit also features an in-house therapy dog, K9 Roux to further support mental health initiatives.
“I am incredibly proud of what our team and the County have achieved over the past three years. The support from our first responders and the community has been remarkable, as they recognize the value of providing real-time assistance and support to individuals in need. This collaboration also fosters education and equips first responders with the knowledge to better assist community members,” Gonzalez added.
Last Updated: 09/23/2024 10:51 AM
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The information contained on this site is provided as a courtesy of the Chelan County. Where it exists, the "Index.txt" will contain a brief explanation of files contained in this folder
Chelan County makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information provided on its web site. However, due to the possibility of transmission errors, HTML browser capabilities, changes made since the last update to the site, etc., neither Chelan County, nor any agency, officer or employee of Chelan County warrants the accuracy, reliability, or timeliness of any information published by this system and shall not be held liable for any losses caused by reliance on the accuracy, reliability, or timeliness of such information. Portions of such information may be incorrect or not current. Any person or entity that relies on any information obtained from this system does so at his or her own risk.
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The information contained on this site is provided as a courtesy of the Chelan County. Where it exists, the "Index.txt" will contain a brief explanation of files contained in this folder
Chelan County makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information provided on its web site. However, due to the possibility of transmission errors, HTML browser capabilities, changes made since the last update to the site, etc., neither Chelan County, nor any agency, officer or employee of Chelan County warrants the accuracy, reliability, or timeliness of any information published by this system and shall not be held liable for any losses caused by reliance on the accuracy, reliability, or timeliness of such information. Portions of such information may be incorrect or not current. Any person or entity that relies on any information obtained from this system does so at his or her own risk.
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The Canvassing Board of Chelan County, pursuant to RCW 29A.60.160, will hold public meetings at the dates and times listed below. The meetings of the Canvassing Board are open, public meetings under the applicable provisions of chapter 42.30 RCW, and each meeting shall be continued until the activity for which the meeting is held has been completed.
The Canvassing Board of Chelan County, pursuant to RCW 29A.60.160, will hold public meetings at the dates and times listed below. The meetings of the Canvassing Board are open, public meetings under the applicable provisions of chapter 42.30 RCW, and each meeting shall be continued until the activity for which the meeting is held has been completed.