PPD receives $4,000 in grants to improve Mobile Crisis Team.

PPD receives $4,000 in grants to improve Mobile Crisis Team.

Eight law enforcement agencies in Oceana County will be supplied with iPads to facilitate video conferencing with the clinical staff at community mental health.

PENTWATER — The Pentwater Police Chief Laude Hartrum announced that the Pentwater Police Department received a grant from the Urgent Needs Fund of the Community Foundation for Oceana County of $2,000 for Project Outreach. West Michigan Community Mental Health Systems will match the grant amount with $2,000 to bring the total available funds to $4,000.

Project Outreach is a pilot project that seeks to improve emergency mental health services offered through West Michigan Community Mental Health System. The $4,000 grant will supply eight law enforcement agencies in Oceana County with iPads to facilitate video conferencing with the clinical staff at WMCMHS.

The project goal is to improve on the Mobile Crisis Team service. Currently, clinical staff is available via cell phone to law enforcement officers 24/7. Project Outreach will facilitate onsite video conferencing to help evaluate people suffering from mental illness; reduce the time officers spend on mental health/suicide calls; and help people get the treatment they need sooner.

Local law enforcement agencies have seen an increase in mental health calls over the last two months. “People are struggling with the anxiety and stress being caused by COVID-19,” said Chief Hartrum. “We’re happy to be partnering with West Michigan Community Health System to provide timely, skilled, and evidence-based treatment to help those in need.”

Mobile Crisis Team services are available 24/7 by calling West Michigan Community Mental Health Services at 1-800-992-2061.

Please consider helping to fund local news. Oceana County Press is available for free thanks to the generous support of our advertisers and individuals who support our service. CLICK HERE TO DONATE.

This story is copyrighted © 2020, all rights reserved by Media Group 31, LLC, PO Box 21, Scottville, MI 49454. No portion of this story or images may be reproduced in any way, including print or broadcast, without expressed written consent.