MHP Partners with Superior, Lafayette and Erie Law Enforcement to Expand EDGE Program
Mental Health Partners (MHP) is pleased announce its role in facilitating the expansion of “Early Diversion, Get Engaged” (EDGE) to three additional Boulder County communities – Superior, Lafayette and Erie. EDGE is a law enforcement and behavioral health co-response program that aims to prevent unnecessary incarceration and hospitalization of individuals with a behavioral health issue by diverting the individual into appropriate treatment.
The expansion is thanks to the Peace Officer Mental Health Support Program Grant Boulder County Sheriff Joe Pelle received from the Colorado Department of Local Affairs. The purpose of the Peace Officer Mental Health Support Program is to provide grants to local law enforcement agencies to engage mental health professionals who can provide on-scene response services to support peace officers’ handling of persons with mental health disorders.
“Unfortunately, our jails have become default mental health facilities,” said Sheriff Pelle. “Expanding the EDGE Program into other jurisdictions in Boulder County is an important step to help achieve better outcomes for the low-level offenders who are struggling with addiction and mental health illness. This program will also reduce the impact of mentally ill offenders on our jail and courts.”
“The Lafayette Police Department is extremely pleased that Colorado Department of Local Affairs has awarded Boulder County Law Enforcement agencies this grant. It will enable us to continue to work together to address mental health issues in eastern Boulder County by expanding the EDGE program into Lafayette. This is a big win for the members of our community,” said Chief Rick Bashor, Lafayette Police Department.
“MHP was selected to help implement the program in these new communities in part due to the wonderful working relationship we already have with Boulder County law enforcement,” said Maigan Oliver, Director Acute and Forensic Services at Mental Health Partners. “The EDGE model provides the best service to our community by reducing the harms of criminal justice involvement for those who are experiencing addiction and mental illness.”
In order to meet the needs of this EDGE expansion, Mental Health Partners is actively hiring co-responder clinicians who can effectively manage crisis intervention, de-escalation, and referrals to treatment. This is a wonderful opportunity to make a difference in these communities, work in the exciting field of law enforcement and be part of a dedicated team of individuals.
Current openings include:
- EDGE Clinician (East County; 40 hours) Sunday-Wednesday 11am-9pm
- EDGE Clinician (East County; 40 hours) Wednesday-Saturday 11am-9pm
Interested applicants can learn more and apply to open positions by visiting: www.mhpcolorado.org/about/careers.
About Mental Health Partners:
In alignment with our mission – Healing is our purpose. Help is our promise. Health is our passion. – Mental Health Partners (MHP) provides immediate access to expert mental health and substance use care so people can enjoy healthy and fulfilling lives. For more information or to access services, call (303) 443-8500 or visit www.mhpcolorado.org. For emergency assistance with a mental health crisis, please call 1 (844) 493-TALK (8255), text TALK to 38255 or go directly to our 24/7 Walk-In Center at 3180 Airport Rd., Boulder, CO.
