Linn County has been providing mental health crisis support to rural communities for many years.
But starting in March, the county’s Mobile Crisis Intervention Team (MCIT) will be able to provide in-person services virtually anywhere in the county, from residential areas to business parking lots and local parks. It has been “renovated” into a mobile crisis clinic.
Linn County Emergency Management Supervisor Nova Sweet said the county ordered the Ford van through its fleet program more than 18 months ago. The interior has recently been transformed inside and out with colorful graphics, plenty of storage space, seating, lighting, computer holders, swivel front seats, a bench seat and an onboard generator to help maintain your mental health. I accomplished that. Our staff will provide service even in places where there are no electrical outlets.
Public Health Director Todd Noble said the project is in response to the passage of HB 2757, which requires each county to have an agile crisis response. Funding was provided through the Oregon Health Authority.
“Previously, we were available 24/7, but primarily only directly to local hospitals for crisis testing. Now we can meet people anywhere in the community and respond to crisis situations anywhere in the community,” Noble said. “We are working toward a fire department model similar to EMS.”
Sweet explained that county employees are currently responding to emergency calls in their cars. The new van will give them a real work space to store a variety of items that may be needed in a crisis intervention situation.
Sweet said Linn County will continue to work closely with paramedics and law enforcement, but the van will provide services independent of those agencies. The mobile crisis response model requires two county employees to be present when he responds to people in need.
Sweet said the new units could offer many amenities for both customers and staff.
Items you might stock for your customers include: NARCAN, new coronavirus test. Fuel voucher/bus ticket. Food/snacks/bottled water. Hygiene (male/female). Items for children such as fidget goods and coping goods. outreach bag. Diapers/wipes/formula; sleeping bags/tents/tarps; backpacks. hand warmer. coats/socks/clothing; hot beverages such as Gatorade, hot coffee or hot chocolate; And a blanket.
Items that may be helpful to staff include: Heavy duty extension cord/RV shoreline adapter. A jug with a spout. Cooler; all necessary documents/resources. AED/first aid kit/CPR mask; lock box/medical administrator. Brochure rack for resources. Computer charger (2x); Cell phone charger. broom/trash can/bag/trash bin; disinfectant and disinfecting wipes. Rubber gloves; sharps container. Pen/notepad. Fire extinguisher; Paper towels; Resource telephone directory. Charging cable/charging pack. Rain jacket for crisis management teams. Flashlight/spare batteries; jumper cables; and an ice scraper.
Sweet said she received an email from Trivan after the van was delivered.
“Your van was the envy of the Vancouver/Portland area as I stopped by Vancouver Public Schools and the Clark County Fleet Garage. Vancouver Public Schools is looking for an upfit vehicle for hearing testing. They stopped by to see our products in person. They were big fans of the orange interior cabinetry and the overall quality of the finish…”
There are also some high output lights on the outside of the van and a canopy that pops out over a large table when the rear door is opened.
This unit will begin operation once all staff have confirmed its operation.
