Wednesday, September 25, 2024
LAKE WORTH — On Tuesday Sept. 17, Lake Worth Police Chief J.T. Manoushagian addressed the Tarrant County Commissioner’s court to thank Precinct 4 Commissioner Manny Ramirez for his recognition of co-responders and crisis responders.
Chief Manoushagian expressed his gratitude to the court for acknowledging and recognizing the crisis and mental health responders. The Lake Worth Chief praised organizations that help police with individuals who need mental health care.
“On behalf of all law enforcement in the room, I just want to say and acknowledge that we understand that we cannot arrest our way out of every problem,” Manoushagian said. “It's wonderful to have organizations and partners like MHMR that will walk alongside us as we serve our community. The task is daunting because we do a lot of things outside of law enforcement. And we couldn’t do that without your support and your support of organizations like MHMR.”
My Health My Recourses of Tarrant County provides community-based services for youth and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental health conditions and substance use disorders, among other services.
Ramirez led an effort to proclaim the week of Sept.15, 2024, Tarrant County Co-Responder and Crisis Responder along with the International Co-Responder Alliance to recognize and honor the individuals who serve their communities.
“These Co-Responder and Crisis Responder teams utilize the combined expertise of law enforcement and behavioral health clinicians to de-escalate crisis situations in a safe, effective and informed manner; and WHEREAS, team members have shown exceptional commitment, compassion and courage when helping those in need and therefore, enhancing public safety as it pertains to the mental health crisis within our communities,” Ramirez said in the proclamation.
Manoushagian said to the Tri-County Reporter that he and the Northwest Crisis Intervention Team are thankful for the support from city and county officials.
“On behalf of the members of the Northwest Crisis Intervention Team, we are thankful for the overwhelming support we have received from our city leaders and elected officials,” Manoushagian said. “The important work that our team is doing serves the growing need for frontline mental health services within Northwest Tarrant County and allows us, as partners, to support each other and our communities.”
