Officials celebrate expansion of crisis stabilization center's hours; 'This is a critical component ... to safely reduce our local jail population'
Lake County News-SunAug 19, 2021
Aug. 20—Comfortable couches, aquamarine walls and a serene indoor waterfall fountain are some of the features inside the
The space was created to be a respite for people suffering from mental illness and substance abuse disorders; a place where they can access basic necessities such as food, showers, clean clothes and transportation.
On Thursday, officials from throughout
The
"This is a critical component of
By treating those who enter as guests in a setting that feels like a home, with a TV, refrigerator, washer and dryer, donated clothes and someone to talk to, the county is aiming to deinstitutionalize behavioral health services, officials said.
The program has served more than 300 people since it was started last year, said Independence Center board president
"Our staff help people," she said.
Speaking of the community's need for more mental health services, so that "jails aren't de facto health facilities for those with behavioral issues, who then cycle in and out of the local justice system" was sheriff's office chief of staff
"In
The COVID pandemic exacerbated that.
The Opioid Initiative and A Way Out program were also discussed as measures the county has taken to lend aid to those who are facing a mental illness or have a substance-use condition.
The Lake County Opioid Initiative has more than 200 organizations and 300 individuals working on reducing and ending overdose and dependence on opioids, according to its website.
A Way Out program is a
There are more than 50 law enforcement agencies in the county that offer the program,
Following the ceremony hosted in the parking lot of the building, officials were invited inside the Living Room, where recovery program coordinator
After being greeted and offered food and an opportunity to rest, shower and wash their clothes, a preliminary assessment is taken to find out what the guests need.
A peer counselor listens to what their immediate crisis is — be it homelessness, unemployment or medical.
One of those lending assistance is
The recovery support specialist in A Way Out Program is himself in recovery. He said his experiences provide him with a compassionate approach he believes to be of great help to those he works with daily.
"I'm not judgmental," Stojanovic said. "I had my own journey that led me into recovery, so I'm able to let them tell their story, because however we got there we're here now."
He said he encourages them, and gives them hope.
"If I can do it, anybody can do it," Stojanovic said. "I've felt the shame, remorse, guilt and self-pity. But it's possible to move forward."
According to officials, the 24/7 crisis stabilization center is being made possible thanks to the public, private and nonprofit collaboration that has worked for the past seven years.
More than 70 community stakeholders representing people with lived experiences, law enforcement, hospitals and health care, judges, elected officials, fire departments and citizens, were vital to the work that was celebrated at Thursday's ceremony.
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