It’s grown to the point of becoming a crisis across the nation – law enforcement officials are finding themselves in a position where they are forced to deal with people suffering from a variety of mental health issues and they’re called on to do so under extreme conditions that require fast action where decisions have to be made quickly.
We recently spoke with Cherokee County Commissioner Marcie Foster about the “National Stepping Up Day of Action” Initiative, taking place Wednesday, May 16th, and as part of that – Mental Health First Aid Classes – which focuses on helping members of law enforcement deal more effectively with those who may be suffering with mental illness:
We asked Commissioner Foster who the classes are being offered to:
This proactive measure marks a great leap forward for Cherokee County in terms of both a better understanding of recognizing those who need help and helping those within the field of law enforcement have the resources to provide that assistance.
Stepping Up – a National Initiative to Reduce the Number of People with Mental Illnesses in Jails – was brought to Cherokee County by Commissioner Foster as part of her participation in the Passion, Leadership, Accountability and Networking Program with the Association of County Commissions of Alabama.
The Cherokee County Stepping Up Day of Action event is, again, slated for next Wednesday, from 10:00am – 5:00pm in the Arena on the campus of Gadsden State Cherokee in Centre at 801 Cedar Bluff Road.
