The City of Cleveland took another step toward addressing the Cleveland Police Department’s response to mental illness and crisis situations.
"We still have to make sure that the police practices and procedures adequately prepare them to deal with these situations," said Mental Health and Advocacy Coalition, Ed Stockhausen. "It happens a lot more often than you would expect."
Stockhausen said Wednesday night’s meeting allowed for community input. The session was put on by the Mental Health Response Advisory Committee.
Bill Denihan, CEO Alcohol Drug Addiction Mental Health Board, told newsnet5.com that Cleveland’s heroin epidemic has added another layer of concern.
“The young are getting younger, women are becoming addicted,” said Denihan. "We'd rather have treatment verses incarceration, which is critical."
Another public meeting will be held March 19, from 10 a.m. until noon at Cuyahoga Communty College. On March 23, a meeting will be held at Stella Maris from 6:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m.
