Co-responder programs have become increasingly important for many cities across the United States, as they aim to ensure that people experiencing crises receive the right services from the right person at the right time. Recently, the Omaha Police Department co-hosted the fifth annual Co-Responder Conference at CHI Health Center, where over 900 mental health professionals and first responders from around the country gathered to collaborate and share insights on how to improve and expand these programs in their respective cities.
The Omaha Police Department deals with an average of 900 mental health-related service calls per month. The department’s Mental Health Coordinator, Lindsay Kroll, emphasized that these numbers represent face-to-face interactions with individuals, not including the numerous phone calls made or connections with other providers and family members to ensure that individuals receive the assistance they need.
In Omaha, the police department established a co-responder program in 2018 with the goal of having mental health professionals assist law enforcement officers in responding to situations involving mental health crises. Each precinct in Omaha has an embedded co-responder, and the department also has a youth-specific co-responder who works closely with the city’s school districts. These co-responders play a crucial role in providing support during traumatic incidents or crime scenes, helping individuals navigate emotional disruptions caused by such events. By partnering with other agencies and organizations, the Omaha Police Department seeks to ensure that individuals in crisis receive the necessary care and support.
