![]() The grand jury states that “BHRS currently tasks its Access Team with the behavioral health navigation function for Marin residents.” Kughn, however, noted that the state has already mandated that county mobile crisis teams provide 24/7 coverage before the end of the year. The grand jury, however, states that the county’s mobile response crisis team is not currently available at all times.Īnother of the report’s recommendations is that county supervisors rectify this situation by directing BHRS to develop a plan and operating budget to make its mobile response team available around the clock. Lifeline’s behavioral health navigators also have the option of escalating the call either to 911 or to behavioral health’s mobile response crisis team. “The cost of dispatching these resources and rendering any on-scene and/or follow-up medical care,” the report states, “can be significant both for the caller and for taxpayers.”Īccording to the American Association of Suicidology, only 2% of 988 Lifeline calls result in emergency dispatch nationally. The grand jury notes that by comparison a 911 call could result in law enforcement, emergency medical services and the fire department dispatching emergency vehicles and up to six or more personnel to the caller’s location. Todd Schirmer, director of the behavioral health division, wrote in an email that “BHRS is currently reviewing the findings and recommendations of the June 20, 2023, report and will submit a formal response to the civil grand jury within 60 days.”īucklew told the grand jury that for a majority of the callers a single phone session is sufficient to deal with their crisis. They’re tried and true and know what they’re doing.” “It is great that Buckelew is doing it,” Enge said. Lou Enge, executive director of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, Marin County, said, “I agree we need to make sure the 988 call line is answered by a human 24-7 it should also have Spanish capability. He said the county recently increased its yearly allotment to Buckelew for the call center from $125,000 to $165,000, the first increase in five years. Kughn said implementing the recommendation would require increased support and staffing. “I think that is where we can partner really well.” “We still have work to do on helping individuals in crisis navigate to the right level of service,” Kughn said. The grand jury also recommends that county supervisors direct the behavioral health division to develop a new public awareness and education outreach campaign promoting the 988 line.Ĭhris Kughn, Buckelew’s CEO, said that the grand jury’s recommendation is a “great idea,” but added that the decision is up to Marin County, which contracts with Buckelew to operate the Marin call center. 31, to direct the division to develop and implement a strategic plan and budget “detailing the enhancement, expansion and funding of the 988 Lifeline Call Navigation Center.” The grand jury calls on the county Board of Supervisors, by Dec. The grand jury is recommending that the “988 Lifeline Call Navigation Center,” formerly the National Suicide Prevention Line, be designated as the county’s new entry point for care. The report says that the website for Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (BHRS), a division of Marin County’s Department of Health and Human Services, lists several phone numbers and contract points for its services, “which is confusing to the public when seeking help.” The recommendation, the crux of a report, “Marin’s Behavioral Health Services: All Calls for Help need to be Answered,” states that county health services currently lack a “one-call/one-door” entry for all residents seeking care. ![]() Marin County should make it easier for residents with urgent behavioral health needs to receive immediate help, according to a new civil grand jury report.
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