What: Mobile Crisis Response Community Meeting
When: Sunday, May 22, 3 pm CT. Doors open at 2:30.
Where: St. Mary of the Lake, Lessard Hall, 6060 Miller Avenue, Gary, IN
Who: Interfaith Action Network
INTERFAITH ACTION NETWORK PUSHES FOR MOBILE CRISIS RESPONSE TEAM IN NW INDIANA

Coalition set to host “Help, Not Handcuffs! Treatment, Not Trauma!” Community Meeting in support of mental health funding this Sunday 

 

[GARY, IN] – In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month as well as the two year anniversary of the killing of George Floyd, faith and community leaders will come together in Gary this Sunday, May 22 at 3 pm CT to urge the formation of NW Indiana’s first mobile crisis response team to serve the City of Gary.  The group has asked Mayor Prince and the Gary City Council to commit $1.5 million in American Rescue Plan dollars to fund the response team to support people in mental health crises to receive treatment instead of punishment.

 

“For far too long, members of our community who are experiencing mental health or substance use crises have ended up housed in jail instead of getting the help they need. The pandemic has only made things worse. With mobile mental health teams we can really expand access to treatment, and I believe there’s overwhelming support for it. We’ve got a real opportunity to create this program, thanks to American Rescue Plan funds. It’s time for a mobile crisis response team in northwest Indiana.” said Becky Hanscom, Interfaith Action Network.

 

During Sunday’s meeting, leaders will share a presentation on the need to expand access to mental health and substance use services, examples of successful mobile response programs from other communities, and some personal experiences with NW Indiana’s mental healthcare system.  Implementing such a program was recommended by the Gary Police Reform Commission in 2021.

 

Local and state officials have been invited to attend the meeting and share with the community what they are doing to bring mobile crisis units to the region. Officials invited include Mayor Prince, City Council Members, our County Prosecutor and Sheriff, state legislators, and mental health professionals.

 

The Interfaith Action Network came together in 2020.  The IAN welcomes faith leaders, congregations, and social justice committees from all faiths in Lake and Porter Counties.  It is currently composed of 9 congregational faith groups and growing.