Community Reach Center’s crisis response approach and community partnerships were the focus of its 2013 Legislative Breakfast on Nov. 6, at Noah’s of Westminster. More than 120 guests learned how Community Reach Center supports individuals during a time of crisis as well as its efforts to prevent crises via supports and services.

The breakfast was attended by Colorado legislators and local elected officials, including state Rep. Jenice May of District 30, Steve Lebsock of District 34, Cherylin Peniston, of District 35, Thornton Mayor Heidi K. Williams and Adams County District Attorney Dave Young.

Clinical Director Abigail Tucker, Psy.D., shared details and data about Community Reach Center’s emergency response programs, including its Emergency Services Team, which is available around the clock to help individuals who are in a state of crisis. In Fiscal Year 2013, the center provided nearly 2,000 crisis assessments and its 24-hour crisis line received an average 336 calls per month.

“A crisis is defined by the individual,” Tucker said. “Our emergency services programs are designed to meet people where they’re at. When someone is experiencing a crisis, we are listening and we are supporting them.”

Tucker also explained the Center’s Crisis Response Team, which is a bridge between an individual’s recent crisis and engagement in clinical programs, and the Crisis Intervention Team, CIT, training, which helps police officers respond “appropriately and compassionately” to an individual experiencing a mental-health crisis. The Center has trained more than 450 officers in CIT since the program began in 2005.