NobleAct enables first responders to address mental health, substance abuse crises
The City of Noblesville’s police and fire departments have joined forces to create NobleAct, a mental health crisis and substance abuse response program.
Noblesville Mayor Chris Jensen said this program will utilize mental health police officers, community paramedics, and mental health clinicians to provide linkage to community services and divert those in crisis away from the criminal justice system.
Click here to watch a video message featuring Mayor Jensen (center), Officer Lugar (left) and Noblesville Fire EMS Division Chief James Mackey (right). (Photo provided)
“As stated in the State of the City in February, our paramedicine program utilizes current community, healthcare and public safety resources to proactively identify and assist the public with non-emergency needs, health issues, and strives to maintain a healthy community,” Jensen said. “NobleAct is a multipronged approach based on the Community Health Assessment, public safety data analysis, trending issues, stakeholder needs and citizen feedback.”
NobleAct provides mental health and addiction-based services to those in crisis in three primary ways:
Active Crisis Response
- De-escalate the scene unitizing the expertise of the mental health officer, community paramedic, and mental health clinician.
- The team will assess the patient’s needs and provide direct linkage to the most appropriate community-based services.
- Direct clients away from the criminal justice system and unnecessary hospitalizations
Conduct Follow-up Services
- Follow-up on individuals transported to a hospital within 72 hours.
- Follow-up on individuals referred to unit.
- Provide case management services to assist those in their path to recovery.
Conduct Outreach Initiatives
- The team will conduct community focused outreaches.
- Conduct community education trainings.
- Conduct community awareness events.
“The success of this program will be achieved through strong and active partnerships with community organizations and we are pleased with the partnerships we already have on board for NobleAct,” NobleAct Police Officer Ben Lugar said. “We are requesting community organizations interested in partnering with NobleAct provide a referral contact method that allows for a rapid connection between your organization and the client.”
Any organization interested in a partnership with NobleAct or would like to receive more information should contact NPD Officer Lugar at blugar@noblesville.in.us or call at (317) 774-6540.