The Mental Health Association of the Southern Tier (MHAST) wants you to know about this important program that affects all of us in one way or another.

The Mental Health programs have had cutbacks in their funding. Now more is placed on the men/women in blue to handle these issues as they arise.

Up to twenty-five officers from the Binghamton Police Department have a chance to attend a week long Officer Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Training. It's happening the week of April 11-15 at the Binghamton Police Department offices at 33 Hawley Street.

They will receive training in de-escalation skills and will learn what resources are available in the community for those with mental illness.

This class serves to put individuals experiencing a mental health crisis into the medical health system instead of the criminal justice system,as necessary.

Speakers include Dr. Don Kamin, Ph.D., Director of the Institute for Police, Mental Health and Community Collaboration. It all ends with a graduation ceremony on Friday, April 15th at 3pm at the Binghamton Police Department Classroom.

To find out more about MHAST, go here.

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