.gif)
COLUMBUS – At their meeting on April 24, the Colorado County Commissioners approved four proclamations to be recognized in Colorado County throughout the month of May.
Commissioners approved the following proclamations: May 4 as National Day of Prayer, May 7-13 as National Correctional Officers and Employees Week, May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and May 14-20 as National Police Week, and May as Mental Health Awareness Month.
Colorado County Judge Ty Prause gave each set of individuals representing each proclamation time to speak before the council. During that time, representatives thanked the council for taking the time to recognize the significance of each cause or holiday.
The Wellness Council presented bags to the commissioners that included flyers, bracelets, and pins for the commissioners to pass out to their staff to help inform people about mental health and the initiatives of the council.
During the meeting, the Wellness Council gave an update of the Mental Healthy Deputy program, which is the first program the county has had.
Wellness Council President Dr. Mazie Leftwich talked about the importance of an unmarked vehicle to help Mental Health Deputy Andrew Lopez when he makes his visits to all three cities in the county. She said those who Lopez visits sometimes will note that they do not like a police or sheriff’s car outside of their home. She asked the court to approve this decision.
Lopez also spoke during the meeting about what he has experienced since the start of the program.
“I believe that the program is working, and that through community outreach, we can continue moving forward,” Lopez said. “Also, doing jail diversion as well to what we’ve recently started doing is looking at hands off consumers into the facility to see if they actually fit the criteria of actually just needing mental health services rather than incarceration. And I feel like that would be more beneficial for those who are truly suffering from mental illness.” Lopez said he made about 400 contacts throughout the year and that the consumers appreciate the home visits but have expressed that the bi-weekly, weekly, or case by case checkups can add to the negative stigma that can sometimes be associated with mental health.
Lopez said some individuals who have experienced a crisis before are no longer having the same crisis.
Judge Prause asked Officer Donnie Templeton if he agrees with Lopez for the need for an unmarked vehicle. Templeton agreed from the stance of how a sheriff’s vehicle outside of one’s home may appear to the public. He said an unmarked vehicle can help deter people from knowing one’s personal issues as much as possible.
Colorado County Sheriff Weid also said that Lopez does a good job of following up with patients on home visits, medications, etc.
Prause also mentioned how the program has been a helpful resource for other officers by allowing them to focus on patrolling or other duties that came with their role.
The agenda item was set for the council to take action to reaffirm and clarify expenditures of donated funds regarding the Mental Health Deputy program. The council approved.
Judge Prause said the program is positive and has had profound effects in the county. He commended the Wellness Council for their grassroots approach.
