Perhaps it was the best place to present a check to the City of Fishers – the bay area of the IU Health Emergency Room in Fishers on a cold Tuesday afternoon in March. IU Health presented a check of $43,680 to support the “paramedicine behavioral response” program.
The money will go to local efforts in providing follow-up and support help for mental health patients. This serves situations where the police department personnel and hospitals may not quickly identify mental health needs for some people encountered by first responders.
Mayor Scott Fadness pointed out that homicides are rare in Fishers but, sadly, there are many more suicides. This program will be aimed at helping those suffering from mental health issues at an early stage and provide the help needed.
Mayor Fadness began a mental health initiative as he assumed the office of mayor in 2015 and that program continues.
“This new behavioral response program was identified by the Fishers Mental Health Task Force as an important component of the city’s mental health initiative,” said Alicia Shulhoff, President of the IU Health North Suburban Area in a news release.