Full Notification

MERIDIAN POLICE DEPARTMENT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 2, 2022
MEDIA CONTACT: Kelsey Johnston, Public Information Officer, [email protected]
 

 
MERIDIAN- One of Meridian’s police vehicles will begin its work to help #StopTheStigma surrounding mental health in our community. Meridian Police Department kicks off Mental Health Awareness Month by unveiling its newly wrapped Mental Health Patrol SUV. Mayor Robert Simison, Meridian Police Department, and community partners across the Treasure Valley gathered on May 2, 2022 to unveil the newest MPD awareness vehicle which aims to start the conversation about mental health in Meridian and Meridian Police Department’s role in helping residents.
 
The mental health awareness patrol vehicle visually depicts a green ribbon; a symbol of mental health awareness, running through the new lime green ‘POLICE’ logo. The slogan #StopTheStigma, a National Campaign to end the stigma surrounding mental health and create hope for those impacted by mental illness and the words “Mental Health Matters” are written on the vehicle to encourage residents to seek help.
 
Meridian Mayor Robert Simison presented a City Proclamation declaring the month of May as Mental Health Awareness Month, which was accepted by Meridian Police Department’s new Crisis Intervention Team. This team focuses on assisting individuals who contact 911 during a mental health crisis and is comprised of two officers with enhanced training, working with youth and adults struggling with their mental health and a mental health clinician.
 
“We have made our officers the de facto first contact for someone in crisis. While all of our officers receive forty (40) hours of crisis intervention training, we now have a team of two (2) specialty trained officers and have paired them with a professional mental health clinician. We know there is a better way to deal with mental health in our community and we are going to work to find that way,” said Police Chief Tracy Basterrechea.
 
Idaho Crisis and Suicide Hotline, Imagine by Northpointe, and Courageous Survival joined this event, as these organizations regularly work together to assist individuals and families struggling with mental health.
 
“The work being done by the Meridian Police Department is amazing,” said Lee Flinn, Director of Idaho Crisis & Suicide Hotline. “Through their leadership in community-based crisis intervention the Department is providing much needed support for people experiencing mental distress. Their efforts prioritize the health and well-being of individuals and families in the community and this benefits everyone in Meridian.”

Meridian Police Department’s month-long campaign to help educate the community on mental health and services available to residents begins today. Meridian’s Crime Prevention Unit is focusing on youth mental health during the first week of May, asking parents: “Have you checked in?” This campaign encourages parents to “check in” with their children on a regular basis, opening lines of communication and encouraging positive, healthy dialog.
 
The week will include a comprehensive overview of mental health resources and services provided by the Meridian Police Department and various community partners. Additionally, interviews highlighting these partnerships and the services they provide will be released through the month of May on Meridian Police Department’s Facebook.
 
Idaho Crisis and Suicide Hotline provides 24/7 free and confidential suicide and behavioral health crisis intervention. Please call the Hotline at (800) 273-8255, text (208) 398-4357 or visit https://idahocrisis.org/ to talk with someone today if you are in need. Meridian area families in crisis can contact the Meridian Police Department for assistance by calling 911 or 208-377-6790.
 
Meridian Police Department would like to thank Mayor Robert Simison, the Idaho Crisis and Suicide Hotline, Imagine by Northpointe, Courageous Survival, members of the community, and the media for attending today’s event and helping to #stopthestigma around mental health in Meridian.
  The Meridian Police Department’s mission is to provide the highest quality service in partnership with the community to preserve and protect life and property through education, prevention and enforcement.  The department has 133 police officers and 42 civilian staff dedicated to making Meridian a great place to live, work and raise a family.