Bowen Health’s Crisis-Response Program Transforms Mental Health Care in Whitley county
WHITLEY COUNTY, Ind. (WANE) – A groundbreaking initiative by Warsaw-based Bowen Health is reshaping how mental health crises are handled in Whitley County. with a 100% success rate, the program has effectively diverted young people in crisis away from detention and into treatment, marking a significant shift in community care.
Originally designed for youth, the program has now expanded to include adults, offering extensive mental health support across all age groups. Launched in January 2023, the crisis-response program addresses mental health emergencies on-site with law enforcement, preventing escalation and reducing the need for juvenile detention.“With the intervention of Bowen Health staff, we’ve seen a reduction in the number of youth requiring detention care, allowing officers to return to other duties,” said Mista Lauber, Northeast Indiana Executive Director for Bowen Health.
The program’s real-time crisis management has been praised for its ability to assist law enforcement,enabling officers to focus on other community responsibilities. Families have also expressed gratitude for the initiative, which provides long-term plans and support for mental health challenges.
In partnership with Indiana’s 988 crisis lifeline, Bowen Health recently expanded the program to include adults, aiming to replicate its success with youth. This expansion is part of a broader effort to provide mental health services to a larger demographic and alleviate the strain on law enforcement.
The key to its effectiveness, according to Lauber, is the collaboration among local agencies, including law enforcement, dispatch, prosecutors, and probation officers.
Key highlights of Bowen Health’s Crisis-Response Program
| Feature | Impact |
|—————————|—————————————————————————-|
| 100% Success Rate | Diverts youth from detention to treatment |
| Real-Time Intervention| Assists law enforcement in managing crises on-site |
| Family Support | Provides long-term plans for mental health challenges |
| Adult Expansion | Replicates youth success, broadening mental health services |
| Collaborative Approach| Involves law enforcement, dispatch, prosecutors, and probation officers |
This innovative program is a testament to the power of community collaboration in addressing mental health challenges. By integrating real-time intervention and long-term support, Bowen Health is setting a new standard for crisis response in Whitley County and beyond.
