Trone, Cardin, and Van Hollen Announce More Than $280,000 in Federal Funding for the Frederick Mobile Crisis Team
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 20, 2021
Contact: Sasha Galbreath, Sasha.Galbreath@mail.house.gov
Trone, Cardin, and Van Hollen Announce More Than $280,000 in Federal Funding for the Frederick Mobile Crisis Team
In October, Rep. Trone joined Frederick Police Departments Mobile Crisis Team for a ride-along
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman David Trone alongside Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen (all D-Md.) announced $280,254 in federal funding for the Frederick Mobile Crisis Team. The team brings police officers and mental health professionals together so they can better assist those experiencing a behavioral or mental health crisis.
“The Frederick Mobile Crisis Team pairs law enforcement personnel with mental health professionals to help those in crisis get the care they need in an effective, compassionate manner,” said the lawmakers. “This program should serve as a blueprint for response teams across Maryland and the country as an added tool to prevent escalation or crimes. These federal funds will only build on the team’s success in the Frederick community to keep our neighborhoods safe.”
“The Crisis Car program is just one example of how the City of Frederick, Frederick Police Department, Frederick County Division of Fire and Rescue Services, and Sheppard Pratt are evolving to meet the growing needs of our community. Mental health calls are some of the most complex cases that an officer can encounter, and our cops do an exceptional job navigating these difficult situations. But often law enforcement is not the right tool when a person is in crisis,” said Frederick Police Chief Jason Lando. “The Crisis Car takes a collaborative approach by adding more tools to the crisis intervention toolbox. Sometimes police are needed. Other times, an EMT or paramedic might be needed. More often than not, however, the individual really needs a mental health provider. Often, we don’t know the best tool until we are in the moment, talking to someone in crisis. The Crisis Car pairs all three disciplines together and allows the team to arrive at the same time, collaboratively making the best decision for the individual. This grant allows our agencies to expand the hours of the program to further meet the needs of our residents experiencing a mental health crisis. We are confident this is a program that other departments will model. We are deeply appreciative for this grant award and the number of residents it will allow us to continue to serve.”
The award comes from the Department of Justice and will be used to treat those experiencing a mental or behavioral health crisis more effectively and as part of its crime prevention strategy. The Mobile Crisis Team pairs one police officer with a mental health professional during each shift. Police officers are dressed in a “soft” uniform to limit any hesitation in communication from individuals in crisis. The Mobile Crisis Team aims to collaborate more with community partners, improve the effectiveness in handling a mental or behavioral crisis, and increase the amount of individuals seeking treatment.
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