Anniston, AL – On April 24, 2024, a gathering marked the beginning of a significant journey aimed at enhancing mental health support within our community. Local leaders, including law enforcement officials and representatives from Highland Health Systems (HHS), convened to discuss the launch of a new initiative that promises to improve how mental health crises are addressed in our area.
The MyCare units will allow users to engage in secure, real-time video consultations with behavioral health professionals. This capability is designed to de-escalate crises, provide assessments, and connect individuals to appropriate follow-up services. The technology will particularly benefit individuals in rural and underserved areas, where access to mental health services is often limited.
HHS CEO Mickey Turner stated, “At Highland Health Systems, we are committed to breaking down barriers to care for those in need. By implementing MyCare Technology, we are making it easier for individuals to access critical behavioral health services when they need them most. This partnership aligns with our ongoing efforts through the Stepping Up Initiative to reduce the number of people with mental illnesses in jails and emergency rooms.”
Turner explained, “Law enforcement agencies will be given an iPad to keep in police cars. When an officer responds to a call involving someone experiencing a mental health issue, they will provide the iPad to the individual, enabling them to connect with an on-call clinician. This 24/7 service aims to resolve crises on the scene and arrange appropriate follow-up care.”
Senator Keith Kelley emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “I think this program will greatly increase the speed at which individuals in crisis receive the help they need. It’s about making a real difference in our community. I think it’s very innovative, and it will also help our police officers de-escalate situations. This could potentially prevent situations from turning violent or deadly.”
The path to this initiative has not been without its challenges. A primary hurdle was integrating the new MyCare Technology tablets into the existing electronic health record (EHR) systems. Additionally, like many organizations across the country, there were difficulties in hiring qualified staff to manage the new technology and processes. However, these obstacles have been navigated, and the rollout is now set to commence.
At the kickoff meeting, attendees received bags containing essential materials for the initiative. Each bag included:
- Tablets: These devices will facilitate real-time communication between officers and mental health professionals.
- Chargers: Ensuring the tablets are always ready for use.
- Public Health Information: Resources to help inform the community about mental health issues.
- Training Materials: Guidelines for officers on how to handle mental health crises effectively.
MyCare Technology is a tablet-based solution that facilitates immediate access to behavioral health professionals. This technology enables individuals in crisis to connect with clinicians at the touch of a button, ensuring timely intervention. The tablets are designed to be straightforward and user-friendly. Officers can quickly connect individuals in crisis with mental health counselors by pressing a single button. This function aims to provide immediate support to those in need, reducing the time spent waiting for assistance, which can often lead to further complications.
HHS will deploy 70 MyCare units across various locations, including partnerships with local law enforcement agencies such as the Anniston Police Department, Piedmont Police Department, and the Cleburne County Sheriff’s Department. Notably, the costs associated with these MyCare units will be entirely covered by HHS, resulting in no expenses for the participating agencies.
Cleburne County Sheriff Jon Daniel expressed his enthusiasm for the program, stating, “I mean, we’re like overly anxious, excited to start this program and work with Highland Health. Like I said, a lot of the people we deal with do have some kind of mental health crisis, and I hope this is sort of a baby step in the right direction to get the help that they do need. So, yes, we’re just, I’m glad we’re one of the first ones to be able to use it.”
Anniston Police Chief Nick Bowlesechoed the sentiment, emphasizing the benefits for both officers and the community. “Basically, you know, this is another tool for us and for the officers to use with somebody having a mental health crisis, another option other than jail or leaving them to their own devices. So people can find the help that they need or find a better way to deal with what they’re going through.”
Capt. Matt Caballero with the Anniston Police Department highlighted how the program fosters community trust. “This is also a way to build trust with the community so they know there is another option to assist them.”
Piedmont Police Chief Nathan Johnson sees this as a significant advancement for Alabama, where mental health resources have historically been limited. “I believe this is one of the best ideas that we’ve had in a long time. Alabama in itself we’ve had trouble with help and assistance for mental health, and this program is going to allow officers to use it in the field, provide some kind of immediate contact with the counselor. I think this is a huge step for our community.”
The success of MyCare units in Oklahoma serves as a model for this initiative. Since 2021, over 3,500 iPads have been distributed to law enforcement agencies in Oklahoma, facilitating more than one million crisis calls. During a study period from 2018-2019, the GRAND Mental Health Center in Oklahoma documented significant savings in time and resources for law enforcement agencies utilizing the MyCare platform.
In addition to law enforcement, Turner noted that MyCare Technology will be implemented in HHS’s outpatient program, providing tablets to high-risk consumers facing transportation challenges. The aim is to reduce no-show rates for appointments while enhancing access to mental health services.
Turner expressed hopes to expand the MyCare units into local school systems in the near future, further ensuring that children and teens experiencing mental health crises during school hours receive timely care and support.
Importantly, all data collected through this initiative will remain confidential and only accessible to Highland Health. It will not be tracked or stored by law enforcement agencies, ensuring that individuals seeking help can do so without fear of repercussions.
The deployment of MyCare Technology is scheduled to commence on April 1, 2025, with a phased rollout to ensure a smooth implementation and adequate staff training. This initiative underscores HHS’s dedication to advancing community health and fostering collaboration with local partners. By offering a proactive and compassionate approach, the initiative aims to ensure that individuals in crisis receive the help they need while strengthening trust between law enforcement and the public.
