Lyons adds “Co-Responder” social service program for law enforcement

In partnership with the Boulder County Sherriff’s office, the Town of Lyons announces a social service program to help law enforcement with mental health or substance abuse crisis calls.

The Lyons Team
The Town of Lyons would like to introduce Lynette Anderson, who is based out of Lyons and is the local member for the Boulder County Co-Responder team. She is part of a clinically trained team that works directly with law enforcement on calls that involve mental health or substance use crises,

The co-responder staff work with all ages and can respond to anywhere in Boulder County.  Historically, Co-Responders have been “nested” with Lafayette and Erie Police Departments, and with the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office (Superior and rural Boulder County).  With funding from both the State and Boulder County, a Lyons position was created, and will be housed in the Lyons Sheriff’s substation, closely communicating with Boulder County deputies and will be much closer to the foothills and mountain areas.

“Like many agencies, the Boulder County Sheriff’s Department has seen an increase in needs to help people who are having more of a behavioral crisis,” said Anderson “The Co-Responder program is a way to be proactive; to try to remedy the problem with families and health services with a long-term goal.” 

What types of things can a Co-Responder help with? 
·                 Mental health and substance use issues
·                 Crisis de-escalation
·                 Linking individuals and families to supportive services within Boulder County
·                 Reduce unnecessary incarcerations and hospitalizations.
  
How do I contact a Co-Responder, or ask for Co-Responder services?
·                 If you or someone you know is experiencing a crisis, call 9-1-1 and also request a Co-Responder to respond
·                 If you have questions or are not sure if your question is a crisis, you can email your Lyons Co-Responder at landerson@bouldercounty.org, who can assist you.
·                 Co-Responders work seven days a week, from noon till 8pm. 
 
“We are aiming for long-term effects to build on the social services made available to the public and to have more impactful service calls.  When law enforcement and social-service agencies work together, our communities are both safer and better supported,” Anderson explained.

This program is funded jointly through the Office of Behavioral Health with the State of Colorado and with Boulder County Community Services Department.  The teams have been working and responding in Boulder County for about two years now. The Boulder County Co-Responder program is a clinically trained team that works directly with law enforcement on calls that involve mental health or substance use crises, and that service now includes help in Lyons as well as unincorporated Boulder County.