​Across Dakota County, emergency personnel respond every day to people in mental health crisis. Calls of this nature are increasing every year. Addressing mental health is not the typical area of expertise for police officers. Mental health professionals are highly trained to address mental health needs, but are not equipped to manage public safety risks.
During an emergency, first responders are equipped to triage the situation and provide short-term solutions. The Dakota County Coordinated Response model is a collaboration between Dakota County Social Services and some of our local law enforcement departments. The purpose is to provide outreach following a crisis and jointly assist with finding long-term solutions.
Coordinated Response focuses on connecting with people within days after the mental health-related crisis has passed. The outreach team provides referrals, assistance with system navigation and care coordination. This approach works well because it meets a need for people to receive much needed support in the days following a crisis.
Participating cities
Apple Valley
Hastings
Rosemount
South St. Paul
West St. Paul