ECHO: Enhancing Community Health through Outreach

Mental Wellness and Law Enforcement working together to strengthen communities. Behavioral Health Specialists are embedded within a Police Department to provide insight and expertise when going out into the community. This program has been highly successful and proven efficient. We work together towards a common goal, and we could not do this without one another.

Now In Partnership with 5 Police Departments across Dutchess County

Including: Dutchess County Sheriff’s Department, City of Beacon, City of Poughkeepsie, East Fishkill, and Hyde Park.

The partnership helps build rapport between law enforcement and the community served. It helps people know that we care, and our Specialists help determine if resources that were provided were effective. BHS also provide additional resources if needed, and incoming calls may be directed to BHS which alleviates calls that come to PD. This is sustaining and builds hope as it connects people to appropriate and correct resources, such as access to addiction or mental health services. The BHS can also provide Advocacy, giving a voice to those who may not know use theirs. When a BHS is not on call, officers leave follow-up notes.

ECHO focuses on intervention and prevention, supporting the community as holistically as possible, and helping individuals in mental health distress reduce the chance of escalation or violence.

ECHO Data collection ensures the program is working and staying effective.
•Progress note written for every encounter and every follow-up
•What is tracked (list is not all inclusive, but gives you an idea):
–Demographics (as much as can be obtained)
–Number of calls received
-Types of call (i.e., DV, suicidal, welfare check, community out-reach, under the influence, walk-ins, pick up order, disturbance, etc.
-Follow up calls
-If person was referred to community resource
-Where was person referred and why
-If person was linked to resource

For more information, reach out to your community Police Department and request a Behavioral Health Specialist