Get out the word on crisis intervention

Kudos to Van Chambers of Columbus-Scioto 6-12, who was able to calm the shooting suspect and prevent a tragedy (“Man says bond with student prevented bloodshed,” Dispatch article, Sept. 12).

He is a true hero in every sense of the word. Kudos as well to The Dispatch for providing information about Crisis Intervention Training (“Man returns help that others gave him,” Dispatch article, Sept. 1). This is critical training not only for law enforcement, but school officials and parents/ caregivers of a mentally challenged individual.

Unfortunately C.I.T. is not well-known in the area and should be. It is imperative that people are made aware of the help available for those with mental illness. There are excellent programs available but no good way to navigate all the options.

In the 15-plus years my family has dealt with doctors, hospitals, counselors, etc, no one has ever suggested contacting NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) or spoken about C.I.T. I heard about them just recently at a public information meeting on mental illness at Capital University.

There needs to be a better way to seek help for those who need it, including parents and other caregivers who shoulder so much responsibility and only want what is best for their loved one.

The Dispatch has performed a valuable public service by honoring mentalhealth heroes informing readers about Crisis Intervention Training. When law enforcement personnel are called for someone in an aggressive meltdown, they are walking into a danger zone of the worst kind. One wrong move and the officers are justified to defend themselves.

Fearing the worst, that alone keeps caregivers from calling authorities. Hopefully, information regarding C.I.T. will result in a safer outcome for all concerned.

Lu Anne Frye Gahanna