Narrative of Resolution:
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WHEREAS, the NYS Office of Mental Health provides for regional suicide prevention and mental health crisis helplines throughout NYS, also known as 9-8-8, which is an over-the-phone resource for individuals suffering from a mental health crisis or condition, and
WHEREAS, Dutchess County Department of Behavioral & Community Health serves as the regional 9-8-8 call center location for callers in the Sullivan County area, and
WHEREAS, 9-8-8 calls are answered by mental health professionals that are trained to mitigate and connect callers experiencing a mental health crisis with the help and services they require, and
WHEREAS, Sullivan County 911, like several other 911 centers have done successfully in NYS, wishes to implement a 9-8-8 diversion program of mental health callers of lower acuity in order to connect them for evaluation and referral by 9-8-8 mental health professionals, and
WHEREAS, the Sullivan County EMS & Law Enforcement leadership has endorsed this policy as a means of connecting callers with lower acuity mental health needs with mental health professionals; thereby reserving resources for higher acuity calls, and
WHEREAS, Sullivan County Deputy Commissioner Melissa Stickle has been involved in developing this policy along with her office.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the attached policy for 9-8-8 diversion is approved by the Sullivan County Legislature as an addition to the Sullivan County 911 Center Standard Operating Guidelines.
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If Resolution requires expenditure of County Funds, provide the following information:
Amount to be authorized by Resolution: $0
Are funds already budgeted? Yes
Specify Compliance with Procurement Procedures:
No procurement necessary
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