Burlington Police Get $100,000 Grant For Mental Health Initiative

BURLINGTON, MA -- The Cummings Foundation awarded a $100,000 grant to the Burlington police Department to support the Burlington Mental Health Initiative. The grant allows the department to hire a part-time mental health clinician who will work side-by-side with officers on a daily basis for the next 2 1/2 years. The initiative will provide a comprehensive approach to mental health issues in the community. In particular, it will include training and certification for Burlington Police officers in mental health first aid and crisis intervention through the International Association of Chiefs of Police’s One Mind Campaign.

"Police officers are increasingly the first points of contact with individuals living with mental illnesses," Burlington Police Chief Michael Kent said. "It’s absolutely essential that our officers be equipped to recognize when someone is experiencing a mental health crisis and be able to take proactive steps to deescalate potentially dangerous situations."

In a press release, the department said the Burlington Mental Health Initiative will serve as a resource for those living with a broad range of mental health disorders, including Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Bi-Polar Disorder, Schizophrenia, Suicidal Tendencies, Depression, ADHD, and Substance Use Disorders, among others.

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Patch file photo.