Rice County (Minnesota) Behavioral Health Services

About the Program

Category: Human Services (Best in Category)

Year: 2023

Rice County Behavioral Health Services was implemented in 2022 to address an increasing need for mental and chemical health support services throughout the county. The unit consists of a supervisor, Treatment Court coordinator, three community-based coordinators and a chemical health social worker who provides treatment coordination and case management services to individuals on a chemical-health related commitment. Community-based coordinators are embedded within three local law enforcement agencies and co-respond as necessary, providing short-term support and offering mental and/or chemical health treatment services as appropriate. Results to date have been astounding. In the first six months, from June 2022 to February 2023, 425 residents agreed to be referred for services; half who declined accepted information on local resources. Coordinators have opened cases for services for nearly 80% of the those referred by law enforcement. The unit’s existence allowed the county to apply for and receive a $1 million federal grant supporting programs recently launched by Rice County and its law enforcement and nonprofit partners: Police-Assisted Recovery and Deflection Program, and the Pre-Charge Adult Diversion Program. Both will aid residents who have a substance use disorder on their path to recovery before they become justice involved.