Mental Health Foundation representatives signing a protocol with Police Chief Carl John on Monday.
PHILIPSBURG--Mental Health Foundation represented by Interim Director Eileen Healy and Chief of Police Carl John signed a protocol on Monday on how to structurally work together in the handling of mentally-challenged persons.
According to police, “The number of crises of this kind has risen over the last few years and the need for some type of structure to deal with these situations is definitely a necessity. This protocol is written to safeguard the safety of that person and to make sure that these persons get the proper treatment and care he or she needs.”
The Mental Health Foundation and police teams worked very hard and met on numerous occasions to discuss the protocol. Healy and John congratulated both teams during the signing of the protocol Monday.
Minister of Justice Cornelius de Weever said he is extremely satisfied that the two parties have finalised and introduced the protocol that will be utilised by the two entities. He said it is of utmost importance that what is written on paper in this protocol is actually carried out in practice every day or when the need arises.
“Having experienced a crisis first-hand and how it was handled, I am delighted to know that the cooperation between the two entities has strengthened. I am sure there is always room for improvement and I look forward to the expansion of this protocol with the Ambulance Department and any other institution as required,” said De Weever.
