Jackson County Behavioral Health Hosts Professional Training on Navigating Complex Crisis Situations

Jackson County Behavioral Health hosted a professional training Thursday, September 10th, focused on responding to complex mental health and behavioral health crises.
The training, titled “When Systems Collide: Navigating Crisis, APS, Mental Health, Law Enforcement and Emergency Departments,” was held at the Jackson County DHHS Black River Conference Room.
Dr. Tony Thrasher, a board-certified psychiatrist and Medical Director of Crisis Services for Milwaukee County Behavioral Health, led the training. The sessions brought together professionals who work with individuals experiencing mental health crises, cognitive impairment, substance use, medical concerns and other significant behavioral changes.
Topics included the roles and legal responsibilities of behavioral health services, Adult Protective Services, hospitals, emergency departments and law enforcement, as well as HIPAA and information-sharing considerations. Participants also discussed emergency department best practices and ways to improve communication and collaboration during complex crisis situations.
Jackson County Behavioral Health said the goal was to help local professionals better understand one another’s roles and work together to provide safer and more appropriate outcomes for individuals and the community.
The training was sponsored by Jackson County Behavioral Health through funding from the State Crisis Intervention Program Suicide Prevention Initiatives grant.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, the Jackson County Crisis Line with Northwest Connections can be reached at 888-552-6642, or call or text 988 for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.