by Kelly Lyng, Director of Development
Research indicates that addressing mental health needs within communities can lead to reductions in police involvement, homelessness, and public safety concerns. For example, the Denver Police Department’s Co-Responder Program, which pairs officers with licensed mental health clinicians, responded to 1,725 calls in its first year, resulting in only 4% of cases leading to citations or arrests. The majority of individuals were connected to appropriate mental health care and treatment. Bureau of Justice Assistance
Furthermore, studies have shown that individuals experiencing homelessness are more likely to have unmet behavioral health needs, placing them at higher risk of incarceration. Bureau of Justice Assistance
By providing comprehensive mental health services through agencies like The Resource Exchange (TRE), communities can address underlying issues contributing to homelessness and reduce reliance on emergency services.
Additionally, research from the Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research suggests that better access to mental health care can reduce crime rates. The study found that men who lost mental health coverage were 22% more likely to be incarcerated by age 21 compared to those who maintained coverage. SIEPR
These findings underscore the importance of integrating mental health services into community frameworks to enhance public safety and well-being. Colorado is recognized as the top state in the nation for the disability community to not only live but also thrive. Read more here: Study ranks Colorado as the best state to live in for those with disabilities | FOX31 Denver
Leave a Reply