Binghamton and Broome Expanding Mental Health Crisis Response

A mental health crisis response program in the city of Binghamton and Broome County is being expanded.

Mayor Jared Kraham and County Executive Jason Garnar say the existing initiative to assist law enforcement officers in responding to people experiencing mental health issues will receive more funding.

Kraham and Garnar discussed the planned expansion Monday at City Hall. The mayor said the city will contribute $100,000 to the program next year.

Kraham said the city police department has partnered with licensed mental health professionals to provide crisis intervention.

The mayor said the new funding will clear the way for a "better coordinated countywide mental health crisis response system." He said it will provide for a "more than doubling of resources" to respond to those in need.

Kraham said there's been a need to improve the system to properly respond to mental health crisis situations.

Garnar said police officers "feel much more comfortable" responding to such calls "with someone who has been trained" to provide mental health care. He said that can often make a crucial difference in how a situation is resolved.

City police now partner with the Mental Health Association of the Southern Tier for trained workers to respond to help people in crisis.

Binghamton police Sergeant Alexander Legos-Williams said he's pleased the program will provide more resources to officers when they respond to calls involving those who need mental health assistance.

All city police officers receive mental health awareness training. Some also complete more intensive "crisis intervention team" training.

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Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com or call (607) 545-2250. For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.