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Co-Responder Program
The Brighton Police Department has a co-responder team through a partnership with Reaching HOPE, after receiving a $525,703 grant from the Bureau of Justice Assistance in 2023.
The three-year grant was awarded to support cross-system collaboration to improve public safety responses and outcomes for individuals with mental health or substance use disorders who come into contact with the justice system. The grant is on a cost-sharing schedule to allow the city to sustain the program once the grant award ends.
The program pairs mental health clinicians with police officers to assist in helping people who are experiencing mental health crises. The co-responder program:
- Provides people with on-scene, evidence-based treatment options
- De-escalates individuals in crisis to reduce mental health hospitalizations
- Utilizes appropriate alternatives to arrest for individuals experiencing serious mental health and/or substance abuse crises
- Connects individuals with local, ongoing, behavioral health and substance use treatment options
The co-responder program currently consists of two mental health clinicians, a case manager, police department supervisor, Reaching HOPE supervisor, project director, and researcher/evaluator. The research component of the project will allow the department to analyze data to ensure the CRP is effectively being deployed to meet the community’s needs.
Co-Responder Office Hours
- Check back for more information on the Co-Responder Office Hours soon!
Our co-responders have office hours to provide ongoing support and follow-up care to individuals they encounter during crisis situations. These hours allow them to offer resources, referrals, and continued assistance, helping to ensure that individuals receive comprehensive care beyond the immediate response.
Individuals who have not been referred to co-responders by the police department, but who are looking for resources and support, are also invited to stop by during office hours. Co-responders can provide a range of resources, such as:
- Referrals to Mental Health Professionals: Connecting individuals with therapists, counselors, or psychiatrists.
- Substance Abuse Resources: Access to treatment programs for addiction and substance use disorders.
- Support Groups: Information about local support groups for mental health, addiction, or other specific needs.
- Legal Assistance: Guidance on accessing legal support or advocacy services.
- Transportation Services: Arranging transportation to medical or mental health appointments.
- Educational Materials: Providing information on mental health, coping strategies, and wellness practices.
- Case Management: Ongoing support to help individuals navigate the mental health care system and access services.
- Food and Basic Needs Assistance: Connecting individuals to resources like food banks or emergency financial aid.
Meet the Team
These are the team members of the Co-Responder Program!
Dr. Ambra Born, PsyD, LP
Reaching HOPE Supervisor, Executive Director
Kimberly Messina
Co-Responder Project Director, Victim Services Manager