Behavioral Health Response Team 2022 Annual Report

client testimonials Respecting Individuals in Crisis BHRT supported Kettly Toussaint and her family while her son, Chandler, battled mental illness. “Your professionalism, patience, courtesy, and attentiveness to our loved one as well as our needs are greatly appreciated,”Toussaint wrote to BHRT. “Without you and your team, we would not have had the guidance or the resources needed for our loved one.” In the summer, Chandler was regularly calling 911 for assistance. BHRT was dispatched to provide supportive services, both during the mental health emergency and through follow-up calls.

The Behavioral Health Response Team has saved my mother from harm and definitely from living on the streets. – Kim R.

Providing Critical Resources In early 2021, a friend reached Kim R. with some difficult news. Her estranged mother was dealing with a mental health crisis or age-related dementia – and facing eviction after repeatedly calling City police, fire, and code inspectors to make unfounded complaints about a neighbor. At Kim’s request, BHRT stepped in to help. The team became a way for her mother to ask for assistance rather than calling 911 and other emergency services. BHRT also helped her mother find another living arrangement, access rental assistance, and reach other resources like a food pantry and senior services. Kim said BHRT team members Erin Williams and Kevin Brooks advocated for her mother to get neurological psychological testing and ensured she did not cause harm to herself or others by petitioning the court for an involuntary hospital stay and services. Kim is now seeking guardianship to ensure her mother is safe. “I am forever grateful for the Behavioral Health Response Team,” Kim said. “The Behavioral Health Response Team has saved my mother from harm and definitely from living on the streets, and has given me hope that there is a pathway forward for her to have a better living situation and care.”

Without you and your team, we would not have had the guidance or the resources needed for our loved one. – Kettly Toussaint

Toussaint said the officers treated her son with respect and dignity, honored his requests for specific care, and participated in conference calls with other agencies to ensure he received needed resources. BHRT team member Kevin Brooks also followed up to encourage family members to take care of their personal health and wellbeing while supporting Chandler. “We think every police department in the entire United States of America should use Greensboro as a guide, a blueprint on how to assist people with mental illness while showing respect and allowing them and their families to keep their dignity,” Toussaint said.