Program Raises Awareness Of Mental Illness In Community

The Park Ridge Police Department will host "Beyond CIT: Building Community Responses to People with Mental Illness," from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9 at the Park Ridge Nonprofit Center, 720 Garden St.

This "community stakeholder awareness training" program was created for the Healthier Park Ridge Coalition.

It is an opportunity for those leaders and volunteers who work with the police to better identify various mental health issues that may affect adults in the area, possible symptoms, and how to respond appropriately.

First hand accounts will be provided by individuals who have lived with mental illness.

There will be an overview of national models provided for appropriate police responses to mental health calls. These come from the President's Task Force for 21st Century Policing.

There will also be review of community resources.

Advance registration is requested. Online registration is available at illinois.edu/fb/sec/928626.

The program is presented with support from the Center for Public Safety and Justice, Advocate Lutheran General Hospital, Vision for Change, and the National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) in North Suburban Cook County.