Police Department Launches Initiative to Improve Mental Health Support in Eugene

The Eugene Police Department is introducing a new initiative to provide mental health support to individuals in downtown Eugene. This program, funded by the Community Safety Payroll Tax and now aided by a $550,000 Bureau of Justice Assistance grant, embeds a Lane County Behavioral Health professional with police officers responding to mental health-related calls.

The aim of this program is to prevent escalation of non-criminal situations and connect individuals with the resources they need for wellness. Police Chief Chris Skinner believes that by stabilizing individuals downtown, there will be fewer calls for police service, ultimately improving safety in the area.

This program collaborates with CAHOOTS, a mobile crisis intervention service in Eugene, providing additional resources and case management for more complex and potentially risky calls. Skinner envisions expanding the program city-wide in the future, as Lane County plans to establish a stabilization center as an alternative to jail for individuals with behavioral health issues. By offering individuals necessary resources and support, this initiative aims to improve safety and wellness in the community.