BLOOMSBURG — We’re going to make sure a mental health professional is more readily available,” says Wesley Thomas, Deputy Administrator for Mental Health at CMSU Behavioral Health and Developmental Services.
WOLF is reporting… In a significant step towards enhancing public safety, the Berwick and Bloomsburg Police Departments will soon integrate social workers into their teams.
This initiative, made possible through a collaboration with CMSU and Developmental Services, aims to provide what Thomas refers to as “co-responders”—mental health professionals who will work alongside police officers in the field.
“These co-responders will assist in various situations, from routine calls to more intense incidents,” Thomas explained. “Once an officer has secured the scene, the mental health professionals will step in to help de-escalate and manage the situation.”
Thomas highlighted that, currently, officers often face limited choices when dealing with individuals in mental health crises—either arresting them or committing them to a hospital. This new partnership, however, offers a more nuanced approach, allowing both police officers and social workers to collaborate closely.
The program is funded by the Department of Human Services, which will cover the costs associated with employing these mental health professionals. The grant, which renews annually, was a key factor in CMSU’s decision to pursue this funding, ensuring the program’s sustainability for years to come.
