News
Arrest Deflection Helps Thousands in Pima County Seek Treatment
Launched in Pima county in 2011, the grant-funded effort termed as “arrest deflection” gives members of the community the opportunity to treatment instead of criminal charges.
In this interview with reporter Mary Glen Hatcher of Green Valley News, Connections Health Clinical Solutions Chief Clinical Officer, Margie Balfour, M.D, Ph.D, shares her perspective on the program, which coordinates those with severe mental diagnosis or substance abuse disorders with treatment facilities as opposed to arrest. Dr. Balfour additionally elaborates on the importance of law enforcement turnaround time and the encouragement of police officers to act accordingly and appropriately in these situations. The importance of the Crisis Response Center (CRC) operated by Connections Health Solutions to the program is also captured.