ntspp.org

Guideline to Help the Psychiatrically (“Mentally”) Ill/Substance Abusing/Emotionally Disturbed From NTSPP website Mental Health And Addiction Resources www.mhaar.org:

DEFINITE DANGER TO SELF/OTHERS ~ weapons, threats, out of control person 

            Move to safety & call 911 

            How to inform police:  When calling the police in an emergency the safety of    your family member/friend/parishioner/visitor is dependent on proper           communication with the police.  Be prepared to communicate the following   information if known to the police.

            Name

            Age

            Height and Weight

            Clothing description

            Diagnosis

            Illegal drug use

            Medications

            Prior Violent behavior

            Past psychosis

            Details about past delusions or hallucinations

            Triggers

            Things that have helped in the past

We train police officers to recognize mental illness however the most beneficial thing you can do for your family member is to educate the police before their arrival to your house.  The more information the officer has the safer he is.  The safer the officer is the safer your family member is.  The knowledge you give the officers will better prepare them to interact with your family member.  Remember you are asking a stranger to come to your house/church to resolve a crisis.  This stranger has no information regarding what is occurring unless you tell them.  We know that the most dangerous time is when the officer first arrives.  This can have a lot to do with him not knowing the total extent of what he is confronting.  If he knows the family member fights with whoever touches him when they are psychotic, the officer then can make better plans about how to approach your family member.   ~ Sr Cpl Herb Cotner, Dallas Police Dept.

URGENT EMOTIONAL CRISIS (NO danger, no threats, no weapons):  1.866.260.8000

             Adapt Community Solutions Mobile Crisis  & Hotline:  Skilled team of   counselors may assist by phone, come on site quickly, transport if appropriate.

NEED for public mental health services or information

            Phone:  ValueOptions NorthSTAR Customer Service: 1-888-800-6799 (toll  free)

                        To enroll as new patient, person must call for self.  For information,                                   anyone may call. 

            Web:  www.mhaar.org  Mental Health And Addiction Resources Website