Cartoonist’s take Consider Oregon model for crisis intervention

Dear Editor:

With a progressive district attorney, sheriff and county executive, Ulster County should consider implementing a program similar to one in Eugene, Ore., known as CAHOOTS.

CAHOOTS (Crisis Assistance Helping Out On The Streets) provides mobile crisis intervention 24/7.

The crisis workers are specialized in de-escalation and mental health and are dispatched by police and ambulance communications centers, and they often work directly with police.

CAHOOTS provides immediate stabilization in case of urgent medical need or psychological crisis, as well as assessment, information, referral, advocacy and transportation to the next step in treatment. Members often are accompanied by police if such a presence is required.

Imagine a world where people are trained to handle suicide prevention, crisis resolution, substance abuse, housing crises, resource connections and transportation services. Imagine these individuals solving problems that police aren’t trained to handle. (No offense

— cops just aren’t trained in those areas sometimes.)

I encourage readers to do their own research, and read about the success stories of CAHOOTS (bit.ly/ore-cahoots.)

I like the idea of more constabulary-like programs in our area. Let’s leave the serious crime to law enforcement, as they specialize in that area. There’s no need to involve police in matters for which they aren’t trained and expect outcomes as if mental health professions were involved.

Though we hear about great police interactions on the news, and some of us experience those interactions in real life, it’s harder for someone who has hit rock bottom or who is experiencing a social crisis to deal with police in a professional and safe manner.

Zain Eisenberg

Kerhonkson