BY KAREN BOSSICK

A new Crisis Co-Response Team (CRT) is now in place to provide compassionate care to those having a mental health crisis in Blaine County.

The three-year pilot program will pair a specially trained Sheriff’s Deputy--Sgt. Josh Pritchard--with a licensed behavioral health clinician—Benson Blair—from Family Health Services.

They will respond to behavioral health-related emergencies and conduct follow-up outreach, care coordination, referrals and handoffs to local providers to help individuals move beyond the immediate criss toward long-term stability.

The program is funded by TogetherWe, an organization connecting partners to strengthen mental well-being, with the generosity of St. Luke’s Wood River Foundation. It was developed through a partnership with TogetherWe, Family Health Services, Blaine County Sheriff’s Office, and South Central Public Health District.

The program will operate 40 hours a week.

Family Health Services a nonprofit community health center providing medical, dental and behavioral health services, employs the clinician. The Blaine County Sheriff’s Office integrates the clinician into day-to-day emergency response operations.

Research from communities across the country has shown that co-response programs can improve access to treatment, reduce repeat crisis calls, decrease unnecessary arrests and emergency department visits and allow law enforcement officers to return to service more quickly while ensuring individuals receive appropriate behavioral health care, said Jenna Vagias, executive director of TogetherWe.

"This program demonstrates the power of collective impact to improve wellbeing in our community” she said. “Two years ago, our community identified behavioral health crisis response as one of its highest priorities. This isn't just a new program—it's an example of how Blaine County is building a more connected, coordinated system of care."

Added Blaine County Sheriff Morgan Ballis: "Our deputies regularly encounter situations where behavioral health challenges are the primary issue, not criminal behavior. Having a licensed clinician alongside our deputies allows us to respond more effectively, improve outcomes for individuals in crisis and connect people with the services they need while continuing to protect public safety.”

The team will be dispatched directly through current emergency channels.

Those needing help should:

Call 911 for an immediate threat to life or public safety.

Call or text 988 for mental health, suicide or substance use crises.

Call The Crisis Hotline at 208-788-3596 (Bilingual Support at 208-578-4114) for local crisis support and assistance.