The northeastern state university oklahoma (nsuok) will use FY24 pact funding to support to create a coordinated community-police response to mental health calls

The Northeastern State University Oklahoma (NSUOK) was awarded a $383,991 Project Grant under the Public Safety Partnership and Community Policing Grants (CFDA 16.710) program by the U.S. Department of Justice's Office of Community Oriented Policing Services. The grant will fund the creation of a coordinated community-police response to mental health crises. Key elements include specialized training for officers to handle mental health incidents effectively and compassionately, as well as the integration of a licensed clinician within the NSUOK police department. The clinician will work alongside law enforcement to provide immediate mental health expertise during crises, promoting a collaborative approach to intervention and ensuring individuals in distress receive appropriate care. This project aims to establish a more responsive, compassionate, and effective system for addressing mental health crises and supporting vulnerable populations in the NSUOK and Tahlequah, Oklahoma community. The award period is from October 1, 2024 to September 30, 2026.

This initiative includes specialized training for officers to handle mental health incidents effectively and compassionately and the integration of a licensed clinician within the nsuok police department. The clinician will work alongside law enforcement to provide immediate mental health expertise during crises, promoting a collaborative approach to intervention and ensuring individuals in distress receive appropriate care. This project aims to create a more responsive, compassionate, and effective system for addressing mental health crises and supporting vulnerable populations in the nsuok and tahlequah community.