FREDERICK, Md. – Frederick County’s Mobile Crisis Services program has saved lives by preventing suicides and connecting people in crisis to treatment and services. During Fiscal Year 2022, the first full year of operation, the program assisted 1,059 individuals, including over 400 assessments and interventions. The Mobile Crisis Services team brings social workers, counselors, and other specialists to people who are experiencing a crisis, such as substance abuse, homelessness, or mental health concerns.
“Without a doubt, our mobile crisis program has been a success and delivered positive outcomes for people in crisis,” Frederick County Executive Jan Gardner said. “Our community partners are working together to bring the right services to people where they are and when they need them.”
The Mobile Crisis Services team’s social workers and mental health experts respond around the clock when requested by law enforcement, the County’s 9-1-1 center, or by the 2-1-1 and 9-8-8 crisis hotlines managed by the Mental Health Association of Frederick County. Staffing is provided through Sheppard Pratt. The service is managed by the Frederick County Health Department.
Because of the program’s early success, Executive Gardner included an additional $756,000 in her FY23 budget to expand Mobile Crisis Service in order to better serve rural areas of Frederick County. The initiative is supported by local law enforcement. The team will have a workspace at the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office, will participate in roll calls with deputies, and will ride along in patrol cars to further strengthen the partnership with FCSO.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a crisis, call 2-1-1. For more information about addiction treatment and recovery services available through the Frederick County Health Department, visit Health.FrederickCountyMD.gov, call 301-600-1755, or email BHS@FrederickCountyMD.gov.