NAMI to host Crisis Intervention Training luncheon

Oct. 06--SANFORD -- Being a police officer isn't just about catching the criminals, it also can require coping with illnesses like psychosis, ADHD, schizophrenia, and PTSD.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness, the nation's largest grassroots mental health organization partnered with Lee County's NC Intervention Team and LeeCAN, to offer police officers Crisis Intervention Training. In observance of Mental Illness Awareness Week NAMI, Cumberland, Harnett and Lee counties, in collaboration with Lee County's NC Intervention Team and LeeCAN, are sponsoring the second annual Crisis Intervention Training Awards Luncheon today.

The training, first introduced to Lee County in 2012, aims to provide officers with a model of community policing to improve responses to people in crisis by enhancing communication, and identifying mental health resources for those in need. The training has since spread to jurisdictions throughout America. The training is in the fifth year in the county and has seen 35 officers complete the program.

"Local CIT trained officers have done a tremendous job of responding to persons experiencing a mental crisis, thus making our community a safer place," said Hannah Carroll, NAMI CHL President, in a news release. "This event will be a way to promote public recognition of exceptionally dedicated individuals whose efforts benefit people living with mental illness."

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