The Hancock Health Mobile Response Team (MRT) is extending its onsite services to area youth who are experiencing mental health or substance misuse distress. MRT, which is housed at the Hancock Health Connection Center in Greenfield, works by dispatching trained clinicians or peer recovery specialists directly to people who might not be able to come to the Connection Center in person. Instead, MRT clinicians will go to them, assessing the situation and determining whether further intervention or treatment is needed.
While the team has been working with adults since its inception in 2023, community leaders realized that area youth and their families would also benefit from the service. As of April, MRT clinicians are able to assist youth aged 5 and up who are experiencing mental health or substance abuse distress, said Christina DeWitt, MWS, LWS, LCSW, Population Health Clinical Manager for the Hancock Health Connection Center.
“Through that identified need, we were able to ensure our team was ready and gained training and education and evidence-based practice to serve youth,” DeWitt said.
While the Hancock Health Connection Center is ready to assist people who call or walk in the door of the office at 120 W. McKenzie St. in Greenfield, MRT takes an in-person approach, traveling to meet people at their homes or wherever they may be during a mental health or substance misuse distress situation. This allows the clinician to complete a risk assessment and determine what the youth may need to address their immediate and long-term concerns. MRT also serves to support family members, connecting them with local resources for support and education.
“Similar to how we serve adults, if there is a need for outpatient mental health, or if they’re needing acute stabilization, we are able to transport youth and a guardian or caregiver,” DeWitt said.
The Hancock Health MRT program works closely with local law enforcement agencies to ensure that people receive the care they need without compromising the safety of their loved ones or others. A study by the National Alliance on Mental Illness indicated that 85% of people who were helped by an MRT member received an intervention rather than a hospitalization. A mobile crisis team can often save money by reducing hospitalizations and incarcerations for people who are struggling with substance misuse or mental health distress.
To make a referral to the Hancock Health Mobile Response Team, call 317-468-4742 or email the team directly at behavioralhealth@hancockhealth.org. Currently the team operates Monday through Thursday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm and Friday 8 am to 4 pm. All phone calls or emails received after hours will be returned on the next business day.
If a person is experiencing a crisis and requires immediate care, we recommend calling 911 or the National Suicide Prevention Line at 988 for support.
About Hancock Health
ハンコックの健康 is an independent, full-service healthcare network serving East Central Indiana. A proud member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network, Hancock Health has been nationally recognized for outstanding clinical outcomes by The Leapfrog Group and the Lown Institute. The network includes Hancock Regional Hospital and Hancock Physician Network; and more than 30 other facilities, such as: wellness centers, women’s clinics, family practices, the Sue Ann Wortman Cancer Center, and Gateway Hancock Health. In addition to our membership in the Mayo Clinic Care Network, we offer enhanced patient care through our relationships with Suburban Health Organization, Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital, and the Ascension St. Vincent Heart Center.
