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LAPD program diverting 911 suicide calls to counselors expands to 24 hours
LA Times ^ | JUNE 29, 2021 3:49 PM PT | Kevin Rector

Posted on 06/30/2021 9:29:07 AM PDT by BenLurkin

The initial contract went into effect in February, one of several programs touted by police and city officials as reducing the city’s reliance on armed police officers in situations where those requesting help would be better served by mental health or other trained professionals.

The Didi Hirsch pilot focuses on 911 calls from people who are “in suicidal crisis or in severe emotional distress,” and is aimed at reducing the number of encounters “between police and persons suffering from a mental health crisis by diverting nonimminent suicide calls” to Didi Hirsh crisis counselors.

Those counselors can offer “de-escalation and assessment,” and connect callers with additional resources and follow-up care programs.

LAPD Capt. Brian Bixler, who helps oversee the program, told the Police Commission on Tuesday that 424 calls have been diverted under the program since February, and 51 people were subsequently connected with follow-up services.

(Excerpt) Read more at latimes.com ...


TOPICS: Health/Medicine
KEYWORDS: 911; lapd; suicide

1 posted on 06/30/2021 9:29:07 AM PDT by BenLurkin
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To: BenLurkin

Probably a good idea. How mant times do we see police sent to a suicide call where they only finish the job?


2 posted on 06/30/2021 9:38:03 AM PDT by Fido969 ( Sc)
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To: Fido969

Fido-u r funny-and right.


3 posted on 06/30/2021 10:01:20 AM PDT by DIRTYSECRET (1)
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To: BenLurkin

I can’t think of many jobs harder emotionally than what those mental health counselors have to deal with each day at the office.


4 posted on 06/30/2021 10:14:46 AM PDT by Renfrew
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To: Renfrew

Here’s one: 4 shrinks open up an office and start seeing patients. 6 months later 3 of them are visibly affected. Depressed, put on weight. All that from their work. So the 4th one looks just fine after those 6 months and the others ask what his secret is. Answer: “Simple. I don’t listen”.


5 posted on 06/30/2021 11:38:41 AM PDT by DIRTYSECRET (1)
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To: Fido969

Suidide Hotline.

First, do you have a dog?

OK We’ll sent an officer now.


6 posted on 06/30/2021 1:04:35 PM PDT by Scrambler Bob (My /s is more true than your /science (or you might mean /seance))
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To: Scrambler Bob

Veterans Administration. Their suicide calls go to voicemail.


7 posted on 06/30/2021 6:02:28 PM PDT by DIRTYSECRET (1)
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