Covered by Documenters Tina Scott (notes) and Gennifer Harding-Gosnell (live-tweet thread)
A call for care over cops
Policy Matters Ohio, represented at the meeting by Bree Easterling, updated advocacy efforts for a community-focused approach to address the ongoing mental health and substance use crises in Cleveland.
#CareforCLE is calling on the city to adopt a care response eliminating police presence during non-violent calls stemming from a mental health crisis. Instead of police, the calls would be answered by social workers, paramedics and other trained professionals.
The campaign consists of several community-based partners, including the Cuyahoga County Jail Coalition and the Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless. Together, these organizations argue that healthcare workers – not police – are best suited to respond to these calls.
Resident-powered committees on the way
Shandra Benito, member of the Cleveland Police Commission (CPC), spoke about future opportunities for public participation. CPC has several committees focused on topics such as police training, community outreach and budgets. Once each committee has a workgroup, members of the public can join, according to Benito.
Ending mental health and substance use stigma
#StigmaFreeCLE imagines exactly that – a stigma-free Cleveland for residents with mental health and substance use issues. #StigmaFreeCLE is a campaign led by the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) in partnership with more than 30 healthcare providers across Cuyahoga County.
Learn about the seven ways residents can help end stigma in Cleveland.
9-8-8 hotline continues to help veterans
Powered by the National Suicide Prevention Hotline, veterans and their loved ones can dial 9-8-8 and press 1 to get connected 24/7 to a trained responder. Callers can also choose to text (8-3-8-2-5-5).
To learn more about 9-8-8, visit the Veterans Crisis Line website.
