Local service providers and law enforcement have teamed up to implement a new model aimed at coordinating efforts to support Benton County’s highest risk individuals that present impending or significant danger to themselves or others.
Representatives from social services, healthcare, and public safety (police, fire, and Emergency Medical Services) came together for two days of initial training on the Situation Table approach. The training took place from October 19-20 at the Benton County Department of Human Services building in Corvallis.
“The Situation Table’s goal is to offer solutions to individuals at high risk before situations escalate,” stated Benton County Commissioner, Xan Augerot.
The Situation Table is a risk-based, rapid triage model that brings together various human service providers in the community for regular meetings to address situations where individuals or families are confronted with a specific threshold of Acutely Elevated Risk (AER). AER refers to situations that have a detrimental impact on an individual, family, group, or location, where there is a high likelihood of imminent and substantial harm to oneself or others.
The Situation Table aims to help those who often face the highest levels of risk in the community and who tend to fall through the cracks in the system. The model’s objective is to bring together multiple agencies in a holistic manner to assist those in need at a pre-incident level. Sometimes a single agency can address one of the individual’s issues but may not be able to solve the whole problem. A case brought before the Situation Table would offer a more comprehensive approach from multiple agencies to individuals in crisis.
The Situation Table, also known as the “Hub model”, originated in Prince Albert, Canada, and had an immediate impact on the city. Within the first two years of its implementation, the rate of violent crime dropped by 42 percent, as reported by Brent Kalinowski, a former Prince Albert police officer who played a pivotal role in creating the program.
The decision to implement the Situation Table in Benton County emerged as a recommendation from the County’s Home, Opportunity, Planning and Equity (HOPE) Advisory Board. The HOPE Advisory Board is the community engagement arm of Benton County’s Coordinated Homeless Response system which facilitates a comprehensive and coordinated response involving the county, cities, diverse community partners, leaders, and individuals experiencing homelessness.
Corvallis Police Department Captain Joel Goodwin introduced the concept during one of the HOPE board’s monthly meetings. He was impressed by the program’s success in other communities, having conducted extensive research.
“Often, a police department doesn’t have all the necessary tools in one toolbox to address all the issues with at-risk individuals,” noted Captain Goodwin. “Each agency has its own toolbox to address problems through their available means. By bringing everyone together and implementing the Situation Table, we can enhance our creativity in the solutions we can provide.”
The Corvallis-based InterCommunity Health Network Coordinated Care Organization (IHN-CCO) is fully supportive of implementing the Situation Table model. IHN-CCO’s Director of Behavioral Health, Todd Jeter, believes it will help reduce risks for the County’s vulnerable members.
“We are all gathered here at the Situation Table training because we are committed to finding the best ways to serve the community,” said Jeter. “Implementing this model provides an opportunity to further build trust between at-risk individuals, law enforcement, and service agencies.”
Captain Goodwin is optimistic that the Situation Table approach will significantly benefit the County. “I have confidence that Benton County’s pooled resources will enable us to better address the challenges faced by our at-risk community members,” said Goodwin.
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Benton County is an Equal Opportunity-Affirmative Action employer and does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission or access to our programs, services, activities, hiring and employment practices. This document is available in alternative formats and languages upon request. Please contact the Public Information Office at 541-766-6800 or pioinfo@bentoncountyor.gov.
The Benton County Commissioners were joined by nearly 60 dignitaries and invited guests at an event to break ground on the new Benton County Crisis Center at the site of the new facility at 240 NW 4th Street, in Corvallis. The Benton County Crisis Center is a voluntary walk-in treatment-centered facility that provides stabilization for individuals experiencing mental health crisis, along with referrals and support for ongoing behavioral health services.
The project is financed with $7.7 million in state and federal funding, which includes a two-story, 8,000 square foot building on Benton County-owned property. Benton County Health Department secured $5.45 million for the project from the Oregon state general fund through House Bill 5202. Oregon Representative Dan Rayfield helped secure $1.25 million of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funds for the project, and U.S. Representative Peter DeFazio, along with U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkely, helped secure $1 million from a federal appropriations bill. Gerding Builders, a Corvallis-based company is the Design-build contractor for the project. Gerding Builders has worked closely with Mahlum Architects to ensure that the design meets Benton County’s goals, budget and design to meet the unique needs of Benton County residents.
“The Crisis Center will provide immediate assistance and support to individuals experiencing mental health crises,” shared Benton County Behavioral Health Director Damien Sands.
“It will be a safe and non-judgmental environment where people can seek help when they need it most. This prompt intervention can prevent situations from escalating and potentially save lives. The facility will be staffed to handle various mental health crises, including suicidal ideation, severe anxiety or depression, substance abuse emergencies, and psychosis. We will have trained professionals who can assess the situation, provide appropriate interventions, and stabilize individuals in crisis.”
The crisis center will be staffed by the Benton County Health Department’s behavioral health crisis team and is an expansion of existing mental health crisis services offered by the County. Services will include 24/7 walk-in and mobile crisis services, 5-7 stabilization recliners, and 5-7 respite beds. With construction starting in June of 2023, the facility is expected to open in the summer of 2024.
The crisis center is a project of Benton County’s Justice System Improvement Program (JSIP), a multi-year effort to improve outcomes in our communities. Addressing mental health needs is a primary focus of JSIP’s vision for enhanced County programs and facilities. The crisis center may serve as a resource on calls to law enforcement that involve a mental health concern.
Crisis services are currently available from Benton County Health Department’s mental health crisis team by calling the Benton County Crisis Line at 1-888-232-7192. Benton County Health Department also offers walk-in mental health crisis counseling services for all ages. No appointment is needed. Simply stop at the front desk and ask “to see the Counselor of the Day”. The services are currently located at 557 NW Monroe Avenue, Corvallis, OR, Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm.
Benton County is an Equal Opportunity-Affirmative Action employer and does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission or access to our programs, services, activities, hiring and employment practices. This document is available in alternative formats and languages upon request. Please contact the Public Information Office at 541-766-6800 or pioinfo@bentoncountyor.gov.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month and Benton County is celebrating with a major milestone toward completing the Benton County Crisis Center.
The Benton County Crisis Center will be a voluntary walk-in treatment-centered facility which provides stabilization for those experiencing a mental health crisis, along with referrals and support for ongoing services. The crisis center is also a project of Benton County’s Justice System Improvement Program (JSIP), a multi-year effort to improve outcomes in our communities.
Benton County, along with Gerding Builders and Mahlum Architects, worked on the design for the crisis center with local partners like Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center, Intercommunity Health Network, Oregon State University, and the Corvallis Police Department as part of a design committee, which also included local non-profit organizations.
“We want to thank our community partners for their participation in the design process,” said Ricky Garcia, project manager for the Benton County Crisis Center. “This has been a collaborative effort to ensure we are meeting the needs of our community and we are really happy with the final design.”
Now that the design of the new Benton County Crisis Center is complete, the construction team has started the permitting process, with services expected to begin in the summer of 2024.
“We recently received notice that the lot consolidation was approved, which is a key milestone in the permitting process, said Benton County Public Works Director, Gary Stockhoff. “We expect to begin onsite work later this spring.”
As the Benton County Health Department waits for completion of the new crisis center, the Behavioral Health team is working on policies and procedures for the new site and fine tuning their staffing model to prepare for the increased staffing need.
“We are hiring mental health crisis professionals now,” Crisis Manager, Eric Bowling said. Find more information about open positions at: co.benton.or.us/hr/page/careers.
While the crisis center won’t be operational until next summer, community members can access crisis services now at 557 NW Monroe Ave. in Corvallis, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. The community can also call the 24-hour crisis hotline at 1-888-232-7192. Visit bit.ly/BentonCoGov-MentalHealthCrisisSupport to learn more.
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Benton County is an Equal Opportunity-Affirmative Action employer and does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission or access to our programs, services, activities, hiring and employment practices. This document is available in alternative formats and languages upon request. Please contact the Public Information Office at 541-766-6800 or pioinfo@bentoncountyor.gov.
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El Departamento de Salud del Condado de Benton celebra el mes de crear conciencia sobre la salud mental modernizando el Centro de Crisis
Mayo es el mes de crear conciencia sobre la salud mental y el Condado de Benton está celebrando con un hecho importante hacia la finalización del Centro de Crisis del Condado de Benton.
El Centro de Crisis del Condado de Benton será un centro de tratamiento voluntario sin previa cita que brindará estabilización a quienes experimenten una crisis de salud mental, junto con referencias y apoyo para servicios continuos. El Centro de Crisis también es un proyecto del Programa de Mejoramiento del Sistema de Justicia del Condado de Benton (JSIP), un esfuerzo de varios años para mejorar los resultados en nuestras comunidades.
El Condado de Benton, junto con Gerding Builders y Mahlum Architects, trabajaron en el diseño del Centro de Crisis con socios locales como Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center, Intercommunity Health Network, Oregon State University y el Departamento de Policía de Corvallis como parte de un comité de diseño, en el que también se incluyeron organizaciones locales sin fines de lucro.
“Queremos agradecer a nuestros socios comunitarios por su participación en el proceso del diseño”, dijo Ricky García, Gerente de Proyecto del Centro de Crisis del Condado de Benton. “Este ha sido un esfuerzo de colaboración para garantizar que estamos satisfaciendo las necesidades de nuestra comunidad y estamos muy contentos con el diseño final”.
Ahora que el diseño del nuevo Centro de Crisis del Condado de Benton está completo, el equipo de construcción ha comenzado el proceso para obtener los permisos y se espera que comience a dar servicio en el verano de 2024.
“Recientemente recibimos un aviso de que se aprobó la consolidación de lotes, lo cual es un hecho clave en el proceso de obtención de permisos”, dijo el Director de Obras Públicas del Condado de Benton, Gary Stockhoff. “Esperamos comenzar el trabajo en el sitio a finales de esta primavera”.
Mientras el Departamento de Salud del Condado de Benton espera que se complete el nuevo Centro de Crisis, el equipo de Salud de la Conducta está trabajando en políticas y procedimientos para el nuevo sitio, ajustando su modelo en la cantidad de empleados y preparándose para la necesidad de tener más personal.
“Estamos contratando profesionales de crisis de salud mental ahora”, dijo Eric Bowling, Gerente de Crisis. Encuentre más información sobre puestos vacantes en: co.benton.or.us/hr/page/careers.
Si bien el Centro de Crisis no estará funcionando hasta el próximo verano, los miembros de la comunidad pueden acceder a los servicios de crisis ahora en el 557 NW Monroe Ave. en Corvallis, De lunes a viernes, de las 8:00 a.m. a las 5:00 p.m. La comunidad también puede llamar a la línea directa de crisis las 24 horas al 1-888-232-7192. Visite bit.ly/BentonCoGov-MentalHealthCrisisSupport para obtener más información.
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El Condado de Benton es un empleador que ofrece igualdad de oportunidades y acción afirmativa y no discrimina por motivos de discapacidad en la admisión o el acceso a nuestros programas, servicios, actividades, contratación y prácticas de empleo. Este documento está disponible en formatos e idiomas alternativos a pedido. Comuníquese con la Oficina de Información Pública al 541-766-6800 o pioinfo@bentoncountyor.gov.
Benton County Mental Health Crisis Services will relocate to the Benton County Humphrey Hoyer Building at 557 NW Monroe Avenue in Corvallis on Wednesday, April 26, 2023. Services at their current location on 530 NW 27 Street will end on Tuesday, April 25, at 5:00 p.m.
The Crisis Services program has been providing walk-in crisis counseling services at the Benton County Health Services Building for over a decade. This service means that anyone experiencing a mental health crisis can show up between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday and ask to “see the Counselor of the Day,” who is available to provide same-day crisis counseling services. These services will now be available in the new location near the downtown Corvallis transit center, until the program can move into its permanent home at the future Benton County Crisis Center.
“The Humphrey Hoyer building is right next to the downtown bus station and library, which means easier access for clients,” said Eric Bowling, Benton County Crisis Manager. “The temporary move will make a good home until we can move into the future crisis center where we can expand our services even further.”
Benton County is working to build a new crisis center, to be located at 240 NW 4th Street in downtown Corvallis. The project recently moved out of the design phase and into the permitting process. Benton County expects the new building to open for services in summer 2024.
The future Crisis Center will add crisis stabilization and respite services, as well as expand walk-in counseling hours to 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Benton County is an Equal Opportunity-Affirmative Action employer and does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission or access to our programs, services, activities, hiring and employment practices. This document is available in alternative formats and languages upon request. Please contact the Public Information Office at 541-766-6800 or pioinfo@bentoncountyor.gov.
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Reubicación de los Servicios de Crisis del Condado de Benton
Los Servicios de Crisis de Salud Mental del Condado de Benton se trasladarán al Edificio Humphrey Hoyer del Condado de Benton en el 557 NW Monroe Avenue en Corvallis, el miércoles 26 de abril de 2023. Los servicios en su ubicación actual en el 530 NW 27 Street terminarán el martes 25 de abril a las 5:00 p.m.
El Programa de Servicios de Crisis ha brindado servicios de asesoramiento de crisis sin previa cita en el Edificio de Servicios de Salud del Condado de Benton durante más de una década. Este servicio significa que cualquier persona que experimente una crisis de salud mental puede presentarse entre las 8:00 a.m. y las 5:00 p.m., de lunes a viernes y solicitar “ver al consejero del día”, que está disponible para brindar servicios de consejería de crisis el mismo día. Estos servicios ahora estarán disponibles en la nueva ubicación cerca del centro de tránsito del Centro de Corvallis, hasta que el programa pueda moverse a su lugar permanente en el futuro Centro de Crisis del Condado de Benton.
“El edificio Humphrey Hoyer está justo al lado de la estación de autobuses y la biblioteca del Centro, lo que significa un acceso más fácil para los clientes”, dijo Eric Bowling, Gerente de Crisis del Condado de Benton. “La mudanza temporal será un buen lugar hasta que podamos mudarnos al futuro Centro de Crisis donde podremos expandir nuestros servicios aún más”.
El Condado de Benton está trabajando para construir un nuevo Centro de Crisis, que estará ubicado en 240 NW 4th Street en el Centro de Corvallis. El proyecto recientemente pasó de la fase de diseño al proceso de obtención de permisos. El Condado de Benton espera que el nuevo edificio abra sus servicios en el verano de 2024.
El futuro Centro de Crisis agregará servicios de estabilización de crisis y de relevo y ampliará el horario de asesoramiento sin previa cita las 24 horas del día, los 7 días de la semana.
Para obtener más información sobre los Servicios de Crisis de Salud Mental del Condado de Benton y el futuro Centro de Crisis del Condado de Benton, visite: co.benton.or.us/health/page/crisis-services
El Condado de Benton es un empleador que ofrece igualdad de oportunidades y acción afirmativa y no discrimina por motivos de discapacidad en la admisión o el acceso a nuestros programas, servicios, actividades, contratación y prácticas de empleo. Este documento está disponible en formatos e idiomas alternativos a pedido. Comuníquese con la Oficina de Información Pública al 541-766-6800 o pioinfo@bentoncountyor.gov.
U.S. Congressman Peter DeFazio visited Corvallis Nov. 2, and Benton County Commissioners, City of Corvallis, and others thanked DeFazio for representing Corvallis, Benton County, and the 4th District of Oregon since 1987. The visit gave the Commissioners and others an opportunity to update the Congressman about the Benton County Crisis Center project. Commissioners Nancy Wyse, Pat Malone, and Xan Augerot were joined by Corvallis City Manager Mark Shepard, Benton County Sheriff Jef Van Arsdall, Benton County District Attorney John Haroldson, Benton County Administrator Joe Kerby, and members of the Benton County Health Department, Gerding Builders, and Mahlum Architects to recognize and update DeFazio.
“This is a great opportunity for us to honor the Congressman and let him know how much we appreciate what he has done for our district,” said Benton County Commissioner Nancy Wyse. “We are fortunate to be able to do this in sight of a project he had a direct impact on. It is one example of many that add up to a great legacy he is leaving behind.”
Benton County Sheriff Jef Van Arsdall, Corvallis City Manager Mark Shepard, Benton County Commissioner Nancy Wyse, U.S. Congressman Peter DeFazio, Benton County Commissioners Pat Malone and Xan Augerot, Benton County District Attorney John Haroldson, Benton County Health Department Director Suzanne Hoffman, and Benton County Crisis Center Project Manager Ricky Garcia pause for a photo, Nov. 2, 2022, in Corvallis. Benton County and Corvallis recognized DeFazio for representing Oregon since 1987.Corvallis City Manager Mark Shepard, Benton County Commissioner Nancy Wyse, U.S. Congressman Peter DeFazio, and Benton County Commissioners Pat Malone and Xan Augerot pause for a photo, Nov. 2, 2022, in Corvallis. Benton County and Corvallis recognized DeFazio for representing the 4th District of Oregon since 1987. DeFazio also toured the future site of the new Benton County Crisis Center. DeFazio helped secure $1 million in Congressional Directed Spending.Congressman Peter DeFazio receives a gift from Benton County and the City of Corvallis, Nov. 2, 2022, in Corvallis, to thank DeFazio for representing the 4th District of Oregon since 1987. DeFazio also visited the future site of the new Benton County Crisis Center DeFazio helped secure $1 million in Congressional Directed Spending.Corvallis City Manager Mark Shepard and Benton County Commissioner Nancy Wyse present U.S. Congressman Peter DeFazio with a plaque on November 2, 2022, in Corvallis, to thank DeFazio for representing the 4th District of Oregon since 1987. DeFazio also visited the future site of the new Benton County Crisis Center DeFazio helped secure $1 million in Congressional Directed Spending.Gerding Builders President Ryan McAlister (left) and Mahlum Architects Brett Dunnam (right) update U.S. Congressman Peter DeFazio about the new Benton County Crisis Center, Nov. 2, 2022, at the site where the crisis center will be built in Corvallis. DeFazio helped secure $1 million in Congressional Directed Spending for the crisis center.Gerding Builders President Ryan McAlister (left) and Mahlum Architects Brett Dunnam (right) update U.S. Congressman Peter DeFazio about the new Benton County Crisis Center, Nov. 2, 2022, at the site where the crisis center will be built in Corvallis. DeFazio helped secure $1 million in Congressional Directed Spending for the crisis center.
Senator Ron Wyden speaks to local law enforcement personnel.
“This is deeply personal for the Wyden household,” said Oregon Senator Ron Wyden as he toured the site of the upcoming Benton County Crisis Center in downtown Corvallis.
Wyden, along with Benton County Commissioners Nancy Wyse, Pat Malone, and Xan Augerot, toured the building site at the corner of 4th Street and Van Buren Blvd. in downtown Corvallis. The center will offer walk-in mental health services 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It will be a therapeutic place for those in need to stabilize from a mental health crisis from a few hours up to 29 days.
Senator Wyden, along with U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley and U.S. Representative Peter DeFazio, helped secure $1 million dollars in congressional funding for the center. During the tour, Wyden said his own brother’s mental health issues spurred him to support this and other services to help those in mental health crises.
“This is something that I am very much committed to tackling personally,” Wyden said.
“We know that we’ve got a lot to do, and this million dollars here at the respite center is dollar for dollar going to be one very, very smart investment because this gives us a chance to do more in the community.”
Staff from Mahlum Architects & Gerding Builders present a journey-map for the new facility.
“This is deeply personal for the Wyden household.”
senator ron wyden
The crisis center is a project of Benton County’s Justice System Improvement Program, a multi-year project based on a comprehensive assessment completed in 2018. Addressing mental health needs is a primary focus of the program. This project has received a total of $7.7 million in state and federal funding and additional funds for expanded crisis center services are planned to be included in a proposed bond measure expected to go before voters in May of 2023.
Prior to the tour, Mahlum Architects and Gerding Builders presented a journey-map demonstrating that the design of the facility is based on client needs. The space will be safe, trauma-informed, accessible, welcoming, and meets the unique needs of Benton County residents.
“…crisis counselors available day or night…it’s big!”
Ricky garcia, crisis center project manager
The project design is a collaboration between many public and private organizations including:
Benton County Health Department
Benton County Public Works
Mahlum Architects
Gerding Builders
Samaritan Health Services
InterCommunity Health Network
Pathfinder Clubhouse
Corvallis Daytime Drop-in Center
Strengthening Rural Families
Oregon State University
The center will help relieve burdens on Benton County law enforcement as well as Samaritan Health Services.
“Every community is unique, and it takes local leaders and community stakeholders working together to develop something that’s really going to meet the needs of that community,” said Doug Boysen, CEO of Samaritan Health Services. “This was identified as one of our highest needs. So, our community spoke that this was something that was needed.”
Empty lot on the corner of 4th and Buren Streets in Corvallis, Oregon that will be the new site of the crisis center.
“…our community spoke…this was something that was needed.”
Doug boysen, ceo, samAritan health services
The center will help keep individuals from needing to use higher levels of care including the acute psychiatric inpatient unit at Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center. It could also help prevent individuals in need of treatment from facing incarceration at the Benton County Jail by providing a voluntary, treatment-centered approach. Representatives of the County’s law enforcement community attended the tour to show their support.
The center will offer services such as:
Crisis assessments and case management
Short-term therapy and skills training
Connection to treatment services and social services
Engagement with primary care providers
“With this new facility, our aim is to provide improved access to mental health crisis services by operating the crisis center 24/7, 365 days a year,” said Ricky Garcia, from Benton County Health. “This means crisis counselors available to help and support individuals in need day or night, rain or shine. It’s big!”
Benton County is an Equal Opportunity-Affirmative Action employer and does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission or access to our programs, services, activities, hiring and employment practices. This document is available in alternative formats and languages upon request. Please contact the Public Information Office at 541-766-6800 or pioinfo@bentoncountyor.gov.
Demolition begins on the future site of Benton County’s new mental health crisis center at 240 NW 4th Street in Corvallis on Oct. 13, 2022.
The Benton County Crisis Center will be a new facility that seeks to provide a safe and supportive space for all who enter. An expansion of Benton County Health Department’s existing crisis services, the Benton County Crisis Center will offer walk-in mental health crisis services 24-hours a day, seven days a week, and 365 days a year. Once operational, the facility will serve all ages, regardless of ability to pay, with no appointment needed. The new facility will be located at 240 NW 4th Street in downtown Corvallis. Planning is underway, and a project construction timeline is currently being developed. Gerding Builders was selected as the contractor for this project, and demolition and preparation of the site are beginning this week.
The crisis center will serve as a low-barrier, open-door resource to all community members experiencing a broad spectrum of mental health crisis needs. It will be designed for anyone who needs a break from stressors to be connected to services and support and will have a “no-wrong-door” approach to support individuals who are having mental health crises for any number of reasons. While not a medical facility, it will fill an important gap in the continuum of care that offers a safe and supportive space for voluntary stabilization to adults who are assessed to need short-term stabilization but do not require the medical capabilities of an acute care hospital or longer-term residential care.
Benton County Behavioral Health has formed a design committee to help inform the design process by providing a crystal clear understanding of the unique needs of Benton County residents and what can be accomplished with the new crisis center. The committee consists of health department staff and mental health professionals as well as community partners and stakeholders, including representatives from Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center, Intercommunity Health Network Coordinated Care Organization, Pathfinder Clubhouse, Corvallis Daytime Drop-In Center, Strengthening Rural Families, and Oregon State University Counseling & Psychological Services.
“We wanted to be sure to have partners at the table whom our crisis team interact with regularly that understand the needs of our community. We are incredibly happy with the variety and depth of knowledge of this group.”
Ricky Garcia, crisis center project manager
Members of the committee helped to select Portland-based Mahlum Architects as the design firm for the project, based on their experience in designing trauma-informed spaces, commitment to empowering communities through design, and dedication to engaging stakeholders in the design process.
In the design planning process, the architect team presents concepts to the design committee members who ask questions, provide insight, and help refine the vision for the final design. The committee recently participated in a journey-mapping exercise that put them in the shoes of someone seeking crisis services to guide the process and flow of services once the center is up and running. Another activity, called visual listening, gave the committee an opportunity to authentically react to different designs, in order to help define the look and feel of the building.
In addition to the design committee, Benton County Behavioral Health is researching and visiting existing crisis stabilization programs throughout Oregon to help determine the program design and flow of services that will best meet the needs of Benton County.
“We are working to put into practice the most successful parts of existing programs in order to build the best possible outcome for the Benton County Crisis Center,” said Ricky Garcia, Project Manager.
The crisis center is a project of Benton County’s Justice System Improvement Program (JSIP), a multi-year effort to improve outcomes in our communities. Addressing mental health needs is a primary focus of JSIP’s vision for enhanced County programs and facilities.
Benton County is an Equal Opportunity-Affirmative Action employer and does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission or access to our programs, services, activities, hiring and employment practices. This document is available in alternative formats and languages upon request. Please contact the Public Information Office at 541-766-6800 or pioinfo@bentoncountyor.gov.
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La planificación y el diseño del Centro de Crisis del condado de Benton ya está en progreso
El Centro de Crisis del Condado de Benton será un nuevo edificio que busca brindar un espacio seguro y de apoyo para quienes ingresen. Como extensión de los servicios de crisis actuales del Departamento de Salud del Condado de Benton, el Centro de Crisis del Condado de Benton ofrecerá servicios para crisis de salud mental sin cita, las 24 horas del día, los siete días de la semana, y los 365 días del año. Una vez que esté en funcionamiento, la instalación brindará servicios para personas de todas las edades, independientemente de los recursos de cada persona y no será necesario tener cita previamente. El nuevo edificio estará ubicado en 240 NW 4th Street en el centro de Corvallis. La planificación está en progreso y, actualmente, se está desarrollando las fechas del proyecto de construcción. Se seleccionó a Gerding Builders como contratista para este proyecto, y la demolición y preparación del sitio comenzarán esta semana.
El Centro de Crisis funcionará como un recurso de puertas abiertas y de fácil acceso para todos los miembros de la comunidad que experimenten una gran diversidad de necesidades de crisis de salud mental. Será creado para todos aquellos que necesiten un descanso de los factores estresantes y, de este modo, conectarse con los servicios y el apoyo, y tendrá un enfoque de acceso universal para apoyar a las personas que estén sufriendo crisis de salud mental por diversos motivos. Y aunque no es una clínica médica, llenará un espacio importante en la continuidad de los servicios de atención al ofrecer un lugar seguro y de apoyo para la estabilización voluntaria de los adultos que, luego de una evaluación, se determina si necesitan estabilización a corto plazo, pero que no requieren aptitudes médicas de un hospital de cuidados críticos o un centro de atención residencial a largo plazo.
La División de Salud Mental del Condado de Benton ha creado un comité de diseño para ayudar a informar el proceso de diseño aportando una comprensión clara de las necesidades únicas de los habitantes del Condado de Benton y lo que se puede lograr con el nuevo Centro de Crisis. El comité está formado por empleados del Departamento de Salud y profesionales de la salud mental, así como por socios comunitarios y líderes, incluyendo los representantes del Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center, la organización de atención coordinada InterCommunity Health Network, Pathfinder Clubhouse, Corvallis Daytime Drop-in Center, Strengthening Rural Families y los servicios de psicología y consejería de la Universidad Estatal de Oregon.
“Queríamos estar seguros de contar con socios que interactúen regularmente con nuestro equipo de crisis y que entiendan las necesidades de nuestra comunidad”, dijo el gerente del proyecto Ricky Garcia. “Estamos muy felices con la variedad y profundidad de conocimiento de este grupo”.
Los miembros del comité ayudaron a seleccionar a Mahlum Architects, ubicada en Portland, como la compañía de diseño para el proyecto, con base en su experiencia en diseñar espacios que ofrece un ambiente relajado y bienvenido para personas que han experimentado trauma, comprometidos a empoderar comunidades mediante el diseño y dedicados para involucrar agencias colaborativas en el proceso del diseño.
Durante el proceso de planificación del diseño, el equipo de arquitectos presenta conceptos a los miembros del comité de diseño, quienes hacen preguntas, ofrecen conocimientos y ayudan a perfeccionar la visión para el diseño final. El comité participó recientemente en un ejercicio de esquema del trayecto que los puso en los zapatos de alguien que busca servicios de crisis para guiar el proceso y el flujo de servicios una vez que el centro esté en funcionamiento. Otra actividad, llamada escucha visual, le brindó al comité una oportunidad para reaccionar auténticamente a los distintos diseños, y así poder ayudar a definir la apariencia y el ambiente del edificio.
Además del comité de diseño, la división de Salud Mental del Condado de Benton está investigando y visitando programas actuales de estabilización de crisis en todo Oregon para ayudar a determinar el diseño y flujo de servicios del programa que podrán satisfacer mejor las necesidades del Condado de Benton.
“Estamos trabajando para poner en práctica los aspectos de mayor éxito de los programas actuales, y así llegar al mejor resultado posible para el Centro de Crisis del Condado de Benton”, declaró Ricky Garcia, gerente del proyecto.
El Centro de Crisis es un proyecto del Programa de Mejoramiento del Sistema de Justicia (JSIP, por sus siglas en inglés) del condado de Benton, un trabajo de varios años destinado a mejorar los resultados en nuestras comunidades. Abordar las necesidades de la salud mental es un aspecto principal de la visión del JSIP para mejorar los programas y las instalaciones del condado.
El Condado de Benton es un empleador que ofrece igualdad de oportunidades y acción afirmativa y no discrimina por motivos de discapacidad en la admisión o el acceso a nuestros programas, servicios, actividades, contratación y prácticas de empleo. Este documento está disponible en formatos e idiomas alternativos a pedido. Comuníquese con la Oficina de Información Pública al 541-766-6800 o pioinfo@bentoncountyor.gov.
The Crisis, Outreach, Response, and Engagement, or CORE, co-response program is growing as a result of successful partnership between Benton County Health Department and Corvallis Police Department.
The Corvallis Police Department experienced a 58% increase in calls related to mental health services.
In July 2021, the two agencies launched the CORE program, which pairs a qualified mental health professional and a crisis intervention-trained police officer to resolve mental health crisis calls to minimize incarceration or emergency room visits.
The program was created in response to a growing need for mental health services in Benton County. From 2018 to 2021, the Corvallis Police Department experienced a 58% increase in calls related to mental health services.
Building upon a national framework for law enforcement and behavioral health crisis co-response, CPD and Benton County Behavioral Health decided to pilot the crisis co-response program using existing staff members to measure the program’s success.
The CORE program’s pilot team members include Alyssa Giesbrecht from Benton County Behavioral Health and Officer Trevor Anderson of CPD. Giesbrecht has more than six years’ experience working in mental health, a master’s degree in counseling, and a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. Anderson’s work for CPD includes education and outreach as part of the community livability unit as well as teaching and coordinating mental health crisis intervention and response.
CORE’s mission is to provide trauma-informed care to those experiencing a mental health crisis while ensuring the safety of responders, the person in crisis, and the community. “We know that some folks experiencing mental health crisis may feel fearful of law enforcement, said Eric Bowling, Crisis Manager for Benton County Behavioral Health. “We want to help them feel safe and we want our staff to stay safe as well.”
Geisbrecht wears a protective vest underneath her gray Benton County polo to distinguish her from law enforcement while also keeping her safe.
With just two team members, CORE is not the primary responder to every call for service. Calls to CPD that involve a mental health aspect are assessed for review and response by the CORE team. The CORE team has the ability to spend more time on a call for service, specific to the individual. The team uses crisis intervention techniques to de-escalate people in crisis and can provide referrals, resources, and follow up care for support.
In the program’s first six months, the CORE team responded to 27% of mental health calls made to Corvallis police. From July to December 2021, the Corvallis Police Department responded to 777 calls with a mental health aspect. The CORE team reviewed 268 of these calls for opportunities to offer assistance. Of the 268 mental health calls reviewed, 55% were resolved at the scene with services or resources provided.
“We want to help them feel safe and we want our staff to stay safe as well.”
Eric bowling, crisis manager
Only 3% were taken to the hospital and 1% were arrested.
Following the success of the pilot in resolving mental health service calls to police while minimizing hospital visits or incarceration, the program is looking to grow. Corvallis Police Department hopes to route even more mental health calls to CORE for trauma-informed mental health interventions. Benton County Behavioral Health is currently recruiting for another qualified mental health professional to join the team. Interested individuals can contact Eric Bowling at 541-766-6133 for more information about the position.
Benton County also hopes to expand other programs, in addition to CORE, that combine mental health and community safety as part of its Justice System Improvement Plan (JSIP). To learn more about JSIP, visit: co.benton.or.us/justice
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Benton County is an Equal Opportunity-Affirmative Action employer and does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission or access to our programs, services, activities, hiring and employment practices. This document is available in alternative formats and languages upon request. Please contact the Public Information Office at 541-766-6800 or pioinfo@bentoncountyor.gov.
