Sometimes, an in-person presence makes a dramatic difference. That’s why the Hancock Health Mobile Response Team (MRT) is willing to travel for individuals who are experiencing a mental health or substance misuse distress.
“If they’re in mental health or substance abuse distress, we have a vehicle to transport them to treatment if necessary,” says Lauren McClellan, an MRT clinician. “We’ve met people in their homes and addressed their safety and taken them where they need to go.”
MRT was founded in 2023 as a collaboration between Community Health Network, Hancock Health, and local law enforcement. The program was designed to help alleviate the workload for local law enforcement and offer mental health support and assistance to individuals who might otherwise fall through the cracks or wind up incarcerated or in the emergency room. Hancock Health’s Behavioral Health Service Line started leading the Hancock County Mobile Response Team in June of 2024.
The Hancock Health MRT is now based out of the Hancock Health Connection Center, a central location that helps connect residents to the appropriate community resources for mental health concerns, substance misuse, or other challenges of daily life. The Connection Center’s support navigators and staff typically assist people by phone or in-person when they visit the office on McKenzie Road in Greenfield. But MRT is ready to go to the patient, physically meeting people who are experiencing distress and helping them before the situation escalates into an emergency.
“There are a lot of gaps in the system that people can fall through,” says Nathan Light, another MRT clinician. “It’s hard for people to know what to do.”
Onsite assistance for immediate concerns
MRT currently includes two peer recovery specialists and two clinicians. Certified peer recovery specialists are trained individuals who are in recovery themselves. They’re able to provide a unique viewpoint to someone who may be experiencing substance misuse concerns, because they’ve walked down that road before. Clinicians are also trained to work with people in distress and help them develop a plan and find the necessary supportive resources.
But the work isn’t always easy, and it requires more than a cookie-cutter approach to each call. A person considering self-harm or suicide, for instance, may need to be evaluated for inpatient treatment or a safety plan that ensures they’re able to access the care they need. Another caller may need to be referred to a Connection Center Support Navigator, who can invest the necessary time creating a map for longer-term care.
Keeping the community safe
Distress situations can be complicated, and the MRT program must assess every call judiciously to protect the caller and the people around them. If there are unsecured weapons on the property, for instance, the team member may reach out to law enforcement to request assistance from someone who is trained in de-escalation. If a team member visits a patient and is concerned about the patient’s immediate safety, they may call law enforcement and start the process for an emergency hold. If a patient becomes violent, the team member will allow law enforcement to take over until the scene is stabilized, and then they will offer support and help to the patient and any family members or loved ones.
MRT is not currently working with juveniles, although they will visit family members who need support and compassion while they determine the best course of action for their children. They also will not force treatment or follow-up care if the patient is not in immediate danger.
“Sometimes people aren’t ready,” says Cindy Miller, a certified peer recovery specialist. “But if they let me in the door a little bit, I’ll take it. I’m willing to wait.”
To request assistance from a Mobile Response Team member, contact the Connection Center at 317-468-4231. The Mobile Response Team is available Monday through Friday during regular business hours. Outside of those hours, patients are encouraged to call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline to connect with a trained counselor or 911 if someone appears to be in imminent danger.