Hope Through Action: Coon Rapids Police Commit to Suicide Prevention

Hope Through Action: Coon Rapids Police Commit to Suicide Prevention

September is Suicide Prevention Month, a dedicated time for communities nationwide to confront the sobering reality of suicide and reinforce the message that hope and help are available. The Coon Rapids Police Department (CRPD) is amplifying this vital call to action, emphasizing the critical support offered by its officers and social workers during mental health crises.

Suicide remains a leading cause of death in the U.S., a public health crisis that demands a proactive, compassionate response. While the statistics are stark, suicide is preventable, and the CRPD's message is a reminder that professional help is just a phone call or text away.

Coordinated Crisis Response in Coon Rapids

The Coon Rapids Police Department has taken significant steps to enhance its response to mental health and behavioral crises through the integration of Mental Health Professionals (MHPs) into their team. This co-response model pairs officers with licensed social workers who are equipped to provide specialized care.

• Embedded Professionals: The CRPD has dedicated Mental Health Professionals, who are licensed clinical social workers, working alongside patrol officers. This team responds to a wide range of calls, including welfare checks, issues involving homelessness, substance use, and mental health concerns.
• De-escalation and Resources: The social worker, who is unarmed and not in a police uniform, focuses on de-escalation and stabilization for individuals in crisis. They are vital in connecting people to long-term resources and services, ensuring that a crisis call is a pathway to ongoing support.
• Measurable Impact: The presence of embedded MHPs has already had a positive impact, helping to reduce both the number of mental health-related calls and the frequency of repeat calls for service, showing that linking individuals with appropriate support can break the cycle of repeated crisis.

This model acknowledges that police officers, while trained in emergency response, are not mental health professionals. By working together, the team provides a more effective and compassionate service that addresses the underlying needs of community members in distress.

Immediate and Confidential Help: Know Your Numbers

The CRPD’s message highlights the importance of two critical, life-saving resources:

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

• When to Call or Text 988: This number is a national resource available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, offering free and confidential support for anyone experiencing a suicidal, mental health, or substance use crisis.
• What to Expect: When you call, text, or chat, you connect with a trained, compassionate crisis counselor who will listen, offer support, and connect you with local resources. It is not just for people who are actively suicidal; it is for anyone experiencing emotional distress or who is worried about a loved one.
• Confidentiality: Contacting 988 is not the same as calling the police. The service is private, and your identity is confidential unless there is imminent danger to yourself or others.

911 for Emergencies

• When to Call 911: This number remains the direct line for all public safety and medical emergencies.
• In a Mental Health Emergency: If a person's life is in immediate, life-threatening danger due to an attempted suicide, violence, or an immediate risk of harm, dial 911. Coon Rapids dispatchers and officers are often trained to recognize these calls and engage their specialized resources, like the embedded Mental Health Professionals, to assist.

Creating Hope Through Community Action

Suicide Prevention Month, often celebrated with the theme of "Creating Hope Through Action," encourages everyone to take part. Hope begins with awareness, and the action is simply reaching out.

The Coon Rapids Police Department’s dedication, in partnership with its social workers, serves as a powerful reminder that addressing mental health is a shared community responsibility. By knowing the signs of distress and having the immediate resources like 988 and 911 at hand, every individual can play a role in saving a life.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, please call or text 988. In emergencies, dial 911.

MinneapoliMedia