HANCOCK COUNTY — As of late June, officials with Hancock Health say they’ve taken over the leadership role of the Hancock County Mobile Response Team. Officials from Hancock Health said in a release they did so in an effort to maintain the overall health and well-being of Hancock County residents.
Hancock Health’s Behavioral Health Service Line has started leading the Hancock County Mobile Response Team (MRT) alongside its partners in emergency services as of June 24. The team is located out of the Hancock Health Connection Center where they primarily assist individuals with active substance misuse and mental health issues, supporting them through a phone bank or with on-scene treatment, as needed.
The program previously was overseen by Community Health Network.
Amanda Everidge, executive director of the Hancock Health Behavioral Health Service Line, said they’re ready to help anyone looking for support because their main goal as healthcare professionals is to keep individuals safe and healthy throughout their lives and at critical moments of need.
“It’s our honor to be the local healthcare partner to provide these critical services to our residents,” Everidge said.
Officials say if someone is experiencing a substance misuse or mental health issue, they or a loved one can call the phone bank to seek help. Alternatively, community partners may reach out on someone’s behalf or emergency responders may dispatch an MRT staff member to visit the individual on site once the scene is secure, to ensure everyone’s safety.
Staff will provide brief intervention support and connect individuals to the appropriate resources to ensure a continuum of care. Officials with the program say the county’s MRT will be available from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and then from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday.
Individuals can call 317-468-4742 for assistance. The team currently consists of two peer recovery specialists and a support navigator, with plans to grow the team to meet the needs of the community.
“I believe the Mobile Response Team is a vital resource for our community, and Hancock Health is key to its success,” said Hancock County Sheriff Brad Burkhart.
Burkhart said, by working together, officials can ensure individuals in mental health or substance abuse crises receive the immediate, specialized care they need from trained professionals.
“This collaboration not only provides crucial support for those in need but also allows law enforcement to focus on their primary duties, knowing that those in need are receiving the specialized care they deserve,” Burkhart said. “Together, we are building a safer and healthier Hancock County.”
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, a national study showed some 85% of people who were helped by a MRT member received an intervention rather than being hospitalized. Another study found 44% of the sample size were connected with community-based mental health services within 30 days of being helped by an MRT member.
“There’s also evidence that this type of program can contribute to de-escalation in an emergency situation, reduce arrests and recidivism, and increase the utilization of community resources,” said Everidge. “Other cities that have deployed similar teams have also seen some of the burden being taken off of emergency departments and their healthcare systems overall because people are getting connected sooner to the resources they require.”
If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide and seeking emotional support, please call the National Suicide Prevention Line at 988 for immediate support.
