Local law enforcement can rely on Tri-County’s increased team of mental health partners
KANSAS CITY, MO. – Tri-County Mental Health added three new Community Behavioral Health Liaisons (CBHLs) strengthening this important community mental health initiative and quadrupling the number of staff in this area.
“Now that we’ve gone from one staff person to four, we will be better able to serve our three-county service area and more appropriately assist law enforcement and courts with much-needed mental health assessments and crisis intervention,” said Tom Petrizzo, CEO of Tri-County Mental Health Services.
The goal of the CBHL program is to form community partnerships between community mental health centers such as Tri-County and law enforcement as well as the courts. This program saves resources that might otherwise be expended on unnecessary jail, prison and hospital stays, but more importantly improves outcomes for individuals with mental health issues by ensuring those who need specialized help are working with trained mental health professionals. Liaisons are called by law enforcement and the court system to help when individuals are struggling with mental health issues.
Peggy Gorenflo who’s been with Tri-County for 10 years, will act as the CBHL Supervisor for the four-person CBHL team. New CBHL team members include:
• Vickylyn Acuna – Covering Platte County law enforcement agencies and courts
• Amanda Bridges – Covering unincorporated Clay County as well as assigned as a partner with the Clay County Sheriff’s Office and working with inmates in jail being released into the Tri-County community
• Emily Adler – All law enforcement agencies and courts in Ray County and the Excelsior Springs Police Department
Duties for the new team include: intervening in a crisis, visiting individuals at home who’ve been referred by law enforcement, conducting mental health assessments, providing referrals and resources and locating appropriate mental health care for individuals working with law enforcement and courts.
About Tri-County Mental Health Services
Serving Clay, Platte and Ray counties in northern Metropolitan Kansas City, Mo., Tri-County Mental Health Services opened in 1990 and has grown to a multi-location behavioral health facility serving more than 8,000 people every year. Offering youth and adult services, a robust prevention program and innovative treatment practices, Tri-County continues to be recognized nationally with awards for mental health service and quality programming. For more information about Tri-County, please visit Tri-CountyMHS.org
