In Bloomington, a new program spearheaded by the local police department is swiftly changing the landscape for how mental health crises are managed within the city. The initiative, known as the Bloomington Community Brain Health Services Program, stands out for its commitment to providing immediate mental health care at no cost to residents, with a clear objective to cut down on the necessity for law enforcement and emergency room intervention when it comes to mental health issues.
The program is noteworthy for being the first of its kind in Minnesota, equipping the Bloomington Police Department with two fully licensed therapists and a team of student interns. These professionals are tasked with rapidly responding to crises, whether that means conducting therapy sessions at someone's home, at the Bloomington Civic Plaza, or through telehealth services. They're also responsible to quickly provide necessary referrals to those in need, according to a report by Bloomington's official news update.
Funded with $63,000 from the state's opioid settlements and state Public Safety Aid funds, the pilot program has already left a significant mark since its inception in December 2023. To date, Bloomington's Community Brain Health Services Program has served a substantial number of individuals, couples, and families, with 130 receiving referrals and 78 engaging in ongoing treatment and completing a cumulative total of 536 therapy sessions, as detailed by the official Bloomington news outlet.
This initiative is particularly significant for the uninsured, which make up approximately 4,200 residents within Bloomington, by offering an accessible avenue for them to promptly receive professional mental health care. For those seeking additional information or hoping to get in touch with the program, BPD therapist Luke Campbell can be contacted at [email protected] or by phone at 612-240-1433.
