Indianapolis Office of Public Health and Safety Looks to Expand Crisis Assistance Teams
The Indianapolis Office of Public Health and Safety is making efforts to enhance the availability and resources of its Mobile Crisis Assistance Team (MCAT) and Clinician Lead Community Response Team (CLCR).
According to Martine Romy Bernard-Tucker, the director for the Indianapolis Office of Public Health, the goal is to establish 24/7 support for individuals in need of help. She emphasizes the importance of having clinicians accessible at all times, though she acknowledges the challenges in staffing such services. However, competitive salaries are being offered to ensure qualified individuals are hired for these crucial roles.
MCAT primarily deals with mental health situations that become violent, deploying a clinician in collaboration with an Indianapolis Metropolitan Police officer. Currently, MCAT operates Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The CLCR team, on the other hand, handles non-violent incidents and is active 7 days a week, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Initially launched as a pilot program in July, the CLCR team was focused on serving the downtown area.
Bernard-Tucker explains that the request for the 2024 budget is to secure funding for expanding the clinician team’s coverage to the east district and to provide 24/7 services for both districts.
Notably, the expenses incurred by the MCAT clinicians who accompany IMPD officers are entirely covered by the Sandra Eskenazi Mental Health Center. On the other hand, IMPD is responsible for funding the officers and equipment required for the MCAT unit. Until MCAT can recruit additional staff willing to work during late hours, the current operating hours are unlikely to change significantly.
Bernard-Tucker emphasizes the significance of ongoing discussions on potential expansions and improved services to address any existing gaps in the system.
In response to inquiries about the possibility of adding more MCAT clinicians next year, Eskenazi Health, the affiliated hospital, is still in the process of providing a definitive answer.