![]() “We share updates and trends and concerns,” he explained. “Having that recognition from elected officials and policymakers is really important to this work.”Īs project director for the East Metro Crisis Alliance, Roger Meyer runs monthly “Provider Connect” meetings for local workers focused on mental health crisis issues, including frontline crisis team managers, police departments and community providers like People Incorporated. “Mental health and substance use issues affect all of us across all different areas,” Schug said. In 2021 the county board gave Schug’s department, enough funding, using state and federal sources, to nearly double its workforce, adding nine FTE employees to its crisis support team. This collaborative approach has helped to strengthen Dakota County’s response to the national mental health crisis, she believes: “We are all learning together, and from each other, every day.” Support for changeĮxpanding mental health and addiction service options in Dakota County requires expanding the number of county workers focused on the issue. “We are grateful for the support and collaboration - with all stakeholders, at all levels - as we work toward shared goals for safe, healthy communities,” Schug said. This approach focuses on bringing everyone together to tackle the issue - because mental health and addiction impact everyone. With this goal in mind, Schug explained, Dakota County leaders are working in close partnership with public service systems including police, EMS, fire and 911 as well as with mental health providers health care systems community partners justice system partners and people with diverse lived experiences. “ We aim to design a full array of culturally responsive services that meet people where they are at: Anytime, anywhere, anyone.” To do this, she continued, Dakota County is looking at mental health from a more holistic perspective. “We recognized that our response to mental health needs or substance use disorder needs requires a full continuum of health care response systemwide,” Schug said. Over the last several years, the county has seen a rise in requests for mental health and substance use disorder assistance, and Schug and her team, with the support of the county board, are expanding their service offerings, using national best practice frameworks as their guide. ![]() ![]() Emily Schug This major shift in 911 operations is one example of how Dakota County is expanding the way it supports the mental health of its residents, said Emily Schug, Dakota County social services deputy director.
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