The Delaware County Sheriff’s office is taking measures to provide mental health and crisis intervention training for law enforcement and first responders.

According to a news release from the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office, synergy has been created with the Chenango Health Network to trained Sheriff's Deputies, as well as all Delaware County First Responders with intervention training which would be designed to identify and address substance abuse disorders and mental health issues.

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The training will be part of a five-year program funded by a grant through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

In addition, and as part of the program the Chenango Health Network will deliver “Do It For Yourself’ comforts bags for law enforcement to engage with youths in crisis situations, the bags include a water bottle, coloring book, colored pencils, a teddy bear and a mask in a backpack.

In the news release Delaware County Sheriff Greg DuMond said “we thank the Chenango Health Network and SAMHSA for providing these Comfort bags as well as the invaluable training opportunities which will follow.

SAMHSA is the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.  This grant and the training is part of our Police Reform Plan.

The five year fully funded program will not involve any costs to taxpayers.

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