 Collateral information can help when transporting someone for a mental health evaluation who is a substance user.
The miscommunication between public safety and providers is prevalent when it comes to mental health crises. Federal laws like HIPAA have set roadblocks for two-way conversations. So how can we make sure that the person gets the best treatment for the mental health concern seen when we dropped them off at the hospital? Relay information, as much as you can to the nurse or doctor that is completing the intake. Get collateral information from friends and family members that know the person and provide the contacts for those people to the provider. Have they had a mental health diagnosis or concern prior to substance use? When not using substances are they a danger to themselves or others? Ask the person what medications they are taking. If the medications are mental health related then articulate the concern about the pre-existing condition to the provider.  Open-ended questions can help create rapport and gain more information that you otherwise would have never have known. In the case presented today the officers were able to successfully de-escalate and open up an individual by using open-ended questions. The first thing they did was not ignoring the delusions they were hearing but rather ask open-ended questions about them. This gave the individual the space to discuss his concerns and fears in an open inviting environment. Keeping the questions open-ended lead the individual to share how he was protecting himself in a self-harming way. It is not feeding into a delusion if you ask about it. You can acknowledge someone’s concerns and fears even if they are a symptom of a mental illness. Asking about perceived fear opens the door for communication that may address public and self-safety issues. Attached is the intake referral form from UNM when we drop someone off for an evaluation. 
 Celina Ezpinoza dropped by to talk about effective communications with media today. Media and community communication is helpful in a robust CIT program, but can be difficult to navigate. The current climate in public safety affairs has created some animosity towards the media from public safety organizations but our communities still want to hear and see positive stories of law enforcement interaction.
Here are some tips that she provided when giving interviews:
On knowing your reporter:
On Social Media:
Effective use of social media:
Q: Are we bound to respond to the media and go on camera? A: No. Some reporters have negative priorities and always twist stories so it may be better to not go on official record with them, but rather release your side of the story via social media. If you feel negative reactions from the public that you did not comment posting on social media can help remedy the reaction. If you know a story will hit you can try picking a reporter that you like and who is fair to share your organization’s stance on the incident. Social Media Outlets Facebook- click here for more Twitter- click here for more Periscope- click here for more Camilla Duarte Was kind enough to invite all members to this unique event. Lisa Anderson with the VA Justice Outreach program discussed some of the services available in New Mexico through the VA. Lisa is part of an amazing outreach program that helps service veterans throughout the whole state. She is a go to person for help with resource for individuals who have served. To contact her or her group see below: Lisa Anderson Lisa.anderson1@va.gov 505-908-0383 Camilla Lopez Camila.Lopez@va.gov 505-206-8453 Lynda Shannon (Northern NM) 505-354-2011 The BEACON team is the mental health team at the VA and can be contacted with information about a veteran that you are concerned about. They can not give information but can take information. BEACON 505-265-1711 Ext 2184 The VA Police is a resource that can be contacted and should be contacted when bringing someone on campus 505-265-1711 Ext 4222 See the attachments for flyers on VA Programs
Today’s clinic featured Nils Rosenbaum MD, Steve Bringe, and Rasma Cox talking about perspectives of mania and psychosis. Steve and Rasma are part of the Mental Health Response Advisory Committee as Peers. They are also the president and vice president of the Depression Bipolar Support Alliance. Steve wanted me to share his information, which is: Steve Bringe 505-514-6750 skbringe@gmail.com It was great to hear them open up about what it is like living with a mental illness. The term consumer has been given to someone who is living with a mental illness but locally consumers prefer to be called peers. After hearing them talk and asking questions here are some do’s and don’t in a time a crisis for first responders Do’s
Don’ts
If you are interesting in including a class for your CIT training or in-service that is similar to this presentation see the attached instructor and student guides, which are a 1st draft of this class by Nils Rosenbaum MD. My favorite line from this that really stuck to me was: “Officers are our advocates for our health when we cannot advocate for ourselves”
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