Cayuga County is taking steps to expand mental health crisis services.
The county legislature has approved the use of federal funds, and the county will contribute $80,000 for a daytime mobile crisis team. The city of Auburn will also contribute $80,000. The team will be staffed by workers from the Cayuga County Mental Health Center. Cayuga County Sheriff Brian Schenck is pleased with the expansion, saying the presence of armed law enforcement officers in crises can sometimes escalate the tension.
When will the new team be available?
Schenck says his officers are also receiving training in effectively responding to mental health situations. The daytime team will operate from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and will augment the current agreement between the county and city and Liberty Resources Mobile Crisis Team, which provides services from 5 p.m. to midnight.
Related: The Seneca Falls Police Department received recognition for outstanding service to our community and those facing a mental health crisis
The public will be able to contact the team directly through a new crisis line at (315) 251-0800. In emergencies, you should always dial 9-1-1. Clifton Springs Hospital and Clinic offers similar services for residents in Ontario, Seneca, Wayne, and Yates Counties. Listen to my full Inside the FLX conversation with Cayuga County Sheriff Brian Schenck below.
