I’m getting ready to graduate with my Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and through this whole journey I’ve learned just how important it is to have the right kind of support during a mental health emergency. Too many times, people in crisis get misunderstood by law enforcement. It’s not that officers aren’t good at their jobs — they just aren’t trained to handle the complicated emotions, trauma, and behaviors that come with a true mental health crisis.

And because of that, people who are scared, overwhelmed, or hurting get treated like criminals. They get accused of being on drugs or “acting suspicious,” when really they’re just struggling. Imagine hitting the lowest point of your life and instead of getting help, you’re met with confusion, fear, or hostility. That happens every day, and it destroys lives.

This is why we need a Crisis Response Team — a team of mental health professionals who know how to deescalate, calm situations down, and provide real support right there in the moment. They should work hand-in-hand with the Sheriff’s Department, and there should always be a mental health professional available when someone specifically asks for help.

These kinds of programs already exist in places like Eugene, Oregon, and they’ve made a huge difference — safer outcomes, more trust in the community, and people finally getting treated like human beings instead of problems. When mental health experts and law enforcement work together, lives get saved and people feel respected.

And the truth is hard to ignore: mental-health-related calls make up a huge portion of police work across the country, and they’re often handled the wrong way. The Treatment Advocacy Center found that people with untreated mental illness are 16 times more likely to be killed during an encounter with police. Sixteen. That should never happen.

So I’m asking our local leaders and public safety departments — bring a Crisis Response Team to our community. Let’s not wait until something tragic happens here at home.

By signing this petition, you’re standing up for change. You’re saying that people in crisis deserve compassion, understanding, and professionals who know how to help — not judgement or criminalization.

Let’s make our community safer, stronger, and more compassionate. Please sign and help us create real change.