The Christian County Fiscal Court and Pennyroyal Center were announced as one of seven recipients across the state to be awarded grants which will go toward the formation and of a Co-Response Unit with the goal of assisting individuals who are in a mental health crisis.
The recipients were announced by Gov. Andy Beshear at Thursday’s Team Kentucky Update. Beshear says across the seven municipalities $4.7 million in state and federal funds were distributed with the purpose of ensuring those with mental health or addiction issues receive the help they need to avoid unnecessary incarcerations and hospitalizations.
Beshear says the units being established will be partnerships between, local government, behavioral health professionals and law enforcement. In Christian County the Pennyroyal Center will be partnering with the Hopkinsville Police Department, Christian County Sheriff’s Office, Hopkinsville EMS, Hopkinsville Fire Department, Christian County Jail and the ECC to form units.
In a news release, Pennyroyal Executive Director, Ashley Boze says the establishment of a co-response unit will lead to law enforcement and first responders to practicing more beneficial procedures when responding to an individual with mental health issues and providing onsite intervention.
Along with Boze, Christian County Judge Executive, Jerry Gilliam says he is excited for the opportunity the grant will provide and the additional resource law enforcement will have in order to connect to individuals in a crisis.
Beshear says all of the recipients are pioneers to providing specialized help to those suffering from mental health and addiction issues and it is important for them to receive help from those best trained for the situation.
In total Christian County will be receiving $850,000 over a three-year timeframe that will go toward the development of a Co-Response Unit.