Beginning May 22, the Southern Maryland Crisis Intervention Team Coalition will host the first 40-hour Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training in Southern Maryland.
During the intensive, hands-on training, deputies, correctional officers, and emergency communications 911 dispatchers will learn how to assist persons experiencing a mental health crisis with an efficient, respectful and compassionate approach.
Additionally, the training provides attendees with a better understanding of the population they serve and the needs of those who have mental illnesses, intellectual/developmental disabilities or substance use disorders.
The Charles County Core Service Agency, Charles County Sheriff’s Office and St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office have worked diligently in collaboration to localize this training regionally for further development of the Crisis Intervention Teams.
The training is made possible due to funding from the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene-Behavioral Health Administration and facilitated by the Charles County Department of Health-Core Service Agency.
Mental health professionals from the Core Service Agency of Charles County and officers from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office and the Charles County Sheriff’s Office developed this regional CIT training program on the evidence-based “Memphis Model” for crisis intervention.
For additional questions, contact the Southern Maryland CIT Coordinator Karyn Black of the Charles County Core Service Agency at Karynm.black@maryland.gov or St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office CIT Coordinator, Sgt. Bill Raddatz at William.Raddatz@stmarysmd.com.
