In an initiative spearheaded by the Eden Prairie Police Department (EPPD) in partnership with Hennepin County, social worker Molly Mitley has become an invaluable asset, handling 911 calls for mental crises, as reported on the city's bulletin. The program, which commenced in January 2022, has seen Molly bridge the gap between law enforcement and social work, providing much-needed personal connections to those in distress.
Funded jointly by Hennepin County and the City, Molly's role involves extensive interaction with both individuals and families, guiding them through adversity and connecting them to a host of supportive services. According to the Eden Prairie bulletin, in her tenure, she has been integral in establishing relationships that have, in some cases, curtailed the need for 911 as the first line of response. These households now turn directly to her, an embodiment of the program's success in reimagining community-based support.
The work of a social worker like Molly Mitley is multifaceted but crucial. She has opened 962 new intakes in just two years, an indicator of the burgeoning need for such roles within our community structures. Focused on providing long-term solutions, she has adeptly navigated the complex aspects of chemical dependency and daily life challenges associated with diagnosed medical conditions, ensuring individuals get the aid they require.
The effectiveness of integrating social work into the emergency response framework has been evident in the community's embrace of Molly's efforts. Examples of her dedication, include connecting individuals suffering from chemical dependency to County services and aiding those with medical conditions in managing day-to-day hurdles. In doing so, Molly has shown how individual care can translate into community strength, the Eden Prairie bulletin noted.
Molly's work hasn't gone unnoticed, receiving a heartfelt shoutout during National Social Work Month. "Thank you Molly! We appreciate all you do for our department and our community!" reads the city's bulletin, a testament to the vital role social workers play in fostering safer, more empathetic neighborhoods.
