GRAND HAVEN, Mich. (WOOD) — If someone was on the ground bleeding or choking, there would be no hesitation about calling 911. But when it comes to a mental health crisis, it can be hard to recognize when it is time to take action.
Now, thanks to money from a county health millage, Ottawa County residents will have a chance to get educated on what to do.
“A new program is starting in Ottawa County that will teach people how to recognize and respond to people in a mental health crisis,” said Ottawa County Sheriff Steve Kempker. “Mental health calls for us are daily, whether they’re suicide attempts or people having breakdowns.”
In addition to being sheriff, Kempker was appointed by the governor to the Michigan Mental Health Diversion Council. He said early recognition of a mental health crisis can keep it from becoming a police issue.
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