EPIC Ed.

Join us for the final session of our 3-part series focusing on the SEMO Crisis Intervention Team (CIT). Mark your calendars for Thursday, September 28th, from 10:00 to 11:30 am, as we delve into the workings of the CIT at the Cape Girardeau Police Department located at 2530 Maria Louise Lane.

This session is not to be missed, as we explore the Jail Navigator and ERE programs, along with the new Co-Responders Unit collaboration closely aligned with the Cape PD.

Distinguished Speakers:

• Monica Reagan, LPC, ERE: With 19 years of experience in the mental health field, Monica supervises the ERE program. This intensive case management initiative, affiliated with the Community Counseling Center and funded by the Department of Mental Health, is tailored for individuals who heavily utilize services such as emergency rooms, hospitals, and law enforcement. The ERE program’s focus is on enhancing access to resources, eliminating barriers to treatment, reducing instances of ER, hospital, and law enforcement involvement, improving mental and physical health, diminishing homelessness, and fostering community stability.
• Heather Ressel, Jail Navigator: Drawing from 8 years at the Community Counseling Center, Heather has been serving as the Jail Navigator since March 2022. Pioneering this role in the state, Heather’s mission is to facilitate inmates’ connection to community resources. By doing so, she helps inmates with non-violent offenses at the Cape County Jail transition seamlessly to resources that support their needs. Whether it’s setting up appointments or assisting in obtaining mental health medications, Heather ensures that inmates receive the vital support required for their well-being.
• Rachel Alcantara/CRU: Rachel brings almost 8 months of experience with the Community Counseling Center and the Cape Girardeau Police Department. As part of the Crisis Response Unit (CRU), Rachel collaborates with Dr. Shannon Cubria Farris to handle mental health-related situations. The CRU’s mission is to enable law enforcement to focus on its core responsibilities while expert professionals address mental health crises. The CRU team offers immediate assistance, triages situations, identifies primary concerns, and connects individuals to appropriate services. If additional support is needed, the CRU team follows up within 48 hours, ensuring a comprehensive continuum of care.
• Dr. Shannon Cubria Farris: Dr. Farris, hailing from Missouri, is a clinical psychologist with expertise in Crisis Management and LGBT Counseling. She, alongside Rachel, constitutes the CRU team. Their role involves responding promptly to mental health incidents, allowing police officers to concentrate on their enforcement duties. Dr. Farris and Rachel provide specialized support, assess situations, and facilitate connections to essential services.

Spread the Word:

We invite you to share this invaluable information with anyone who can benefit from it. Mental health awareness and crisis intervention are vital aspects of community well-being.

To Attend:

For those attending in person, kindly RSVP by September 21st. Reach out to Stacey at coordinator@epicprevention to confirm your attendance.

We look forward to your presence at this enlightening session.

The SEMO Crisis Intervention Team was established in 2014 as an effort between area law enforcement and behavioral health providers to address issues related to the incarceration and criminalization of individuals with behavioral health disorders.