Be Well OC Launches Patrols in Westminster

Be Well OC Launches Mobile Mental Health Services in Westminster

Be Well OC has officially launched its mobile mental health services in Westminster, becoming the sixth city in Orange County to harness the power of compassionate care for individuals facing mental health or substance use challenges. Utilizing a signature blue van, the nonprofit organization is now part of the city’s first responder network, responding to non-violent and non-criminal situations under the guidance of law enforcement. With this initiative, Be Well OC aims to address the urgent needs of the community while alleviating the burden placed on police and emergency services.

Compassionate Care in Action

The organization’s CEO, Marshall Moncrief, emphasized the importance of providing a "compassionate, clinically informed way to treat the community." The Be Well team is equipped with specialized training in de-escalation, crisis intervention, counseling, and mediation, allowing them to react efficiently and effectively. They can also transport individuals to necessary facilities while offering referrals and information about various health and social services. According to Moncrief, police departments across Orange County respond to thousands of calls each month related to mental health, homelessness, or substance abuse, many of which do not necessitate law enforcement intervention.

Relieving Law Enforcement Strain

Police Chief Darin Lenyi noted that officers often find themselves spending significant time on these calls, which can detract from their ability to handle serious crimes. The introduction of Be Well OC’s services aims to relieve some of that pressure, enabling law enforcement to focus on policing duties while providing the community with necessary social services. Recognizing this need, the program will run as a two-year pilot initiative, funded primarily by federal American Rescue Plan Act funds through December 31, 2025.

Impressive Results from Existing Programs

Since its inception in August 2021, Be Well OC has shown remarkable results in previous pilot programs in other cities. Data indicates that 88% of calls did not require transport for additional care, and 78% were managed without a response from another agency. The average response time for Be Well OC teams is approximately 12 minutes, while they spend an average of 38 minutes on the scene. In total, law enforcement has reported a savings of around 1,200 hours collectively, underscoring the effectiveness of Be Well in addressing mental health crises.

A New Collaborative Approach

The Westminster Police Department and Be Well OC will work hand-in-hand, deploying a dedicated van and trained staff seven days a week for 12 hours a day. Since early June, dispatchers at the police department have been trained to recognize the types of calls to which Be Well OC can appropriately respond. Moncrief described this as a valuable addition to existing resources, allowing dispatchers to provide a "fourth tool" in managing community needs, ultimately improving collaboration between various agencies.

Addressing System Fragmentation

Moncrief pointed out that the current mental health system is fragmented, placing excessive burdens on law enforcement and emergency rooms, which are not equipped to handle such challenges. By unifying services and offering a mobile response program, Be Well OC aims to meet the community’s needs directly where they are. As Chief Lenyi expressed, this partnership between Be Well and law enforcement will seamlessly integrate mental health services into the community, providing a win-win for residents and local agencies alike.

In conclusion, the introduction of Be Well OC’s mobile mental health services in Westminster signifies a hopeful step towards addressing urgent community needs while alleviating the pressures on law enforcement. By providing compassionate care, effective training, and collaboration, this initiative aims to create healthier communities throughout Orange County. For more detailed information, visit Be Well OC’s website and stay updated on their ongoing projects and community impact.