Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – The mental health of the Springfield community was the topic of discussion Friday morning when the Citizens Club held their monthly meeting at the Hoogland Center for the Arts.
Six panelists from a variety of fields spoke about the services they provided but also the challenges they face and the need for even greater communication and collaboration between the various resource providers.
The panelists were Lauren Yoggerst from Memorial Behavioral Health, SPD Deputy Police Chief, Josh Stuenkel, Director of Public Health for Sangamon and Menard Counties, John Ridley, Dr. Chris McDowell with SIU School of Medicine, Dr. Krishna Taneja with SIU Psychiatry and Brian Wojcicki with the Massey Commission and the moderator was Jill Steiner with the YMCA.
DC Stuenkel spoke about the CORE program which teams SPD with Memorial to get social workers in ride-alongs with police to assist in cases involving a mental health situation in hope of deescalating any encounters.
Dr. Taneja drew audible gasps from the crowd when she said it can take up to 8 to 9 months for a patient to see a mental health provider and that is why it is so important for folks to know about the many services the community provides.
Steiner said the new 988 helpline is an important tool for folks who need help. She said not enough people, even health providers, know about it. She also spoke of removing stigma from seeking mental health treatment and choosing words of empathy when speaking on the subject
Dr. McDowell told the audience folks who come to the ER often get their first chance at mental health evaluation there and that is why it’s so important that all the links in the medical chain are working in unison, from police, to EMS, to Emergency Room providers to follow up staff.