Presentation at the NOBLE Conference: Pathways to Community: Implementing first responder-led deflection initiatives to address racial equity in Illinois
Deflection and pre-arrest diversion are collaborative prevention and intervention efforts, in which law enforcement and other first responders (fire and emergency medical services) partner with behavioral health systems to connect individuals with stimulant and other substance use disorders, mental health disorder, or co-occurring disorders to community-based treatment and services. By implementing deflection initiatives, the braiding of public health and public safety, first responders can serve as a referral source to allow for individuals to get the services they want and/or need, in their community. Through intentional implementation, deflection can serve as a beacon of hope for many Black and African American communities who have been historically overpoliced but underserved by behavioral health agencies. In this panel, leaders in deflection will describe the implementation of programmatic features in their initiatives to help address and respond to racial inequities and increase the equitable access to care for individuals with substance use and mental health issues. This presentation will discuss the importance of matching deflection programming to the community in which they operate through staffing, partnership building, and accessibility; using data and program evaluation to address program gaps; and creating formal policies and procedures and standardized screening for referral processes. Participants will leave equipped with the knowledge necessary to better serve each individual in their community through their deflection programs.
Presenters
• Detective Sandra Baptiste-Spruiell, Harvey (IL) Police Department
• Lieutenant Elbert Jennings, Illinois State Police
• Moderator: Maxie Knighten, Program Manager, TASC’s Center for Health and Justice
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