CIT consists of two components:
- training first responders, particularly law enforcement, to recognize mental health concerns and/or crisis, and to know the community resources to connect individuals in need to treatment; and
- assuring that the mental health system has adequate access to mental health services.
One of the goals of CIT is to reduce the number of inappropriate incarcerations involving individuals with a mental illness for non-criminal-related matters by diverting individuals to treatment.
Clermont County CIT has been in existence since 2011 and has trained over 90% of law enforcement in the County. Multiple fire/EMS departments have also received CIT training. The Clermont CIT is guided by a Steering Committee that includes local law enforcement, courts, jail, treatment providers, people living with mental illness, mental health advocates, local government, and the local hospital.
If you have to call 911 because you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health concern, you can ask for a certified CIT officer and be assured that the officer has been trained to respond to a mental health concern. The Officer may also have the Clermont County Mobile Crisis Team come and talk with you or your loved one.
Instead of calling 911, you can also call the Clermont and Brown Crisis Hotline at (513) 528-7283 for mental health situations. A mental health professional can assist you 24/7. For more information on CIT, please contact Denny Moell at dmoell@ccmhrb.org
