A few years ago the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (LACDMH) went forward to create new kinds of services in unchartered waters. What developed was a courageous and innovative program called, Street Psychiatry-HOME (Homeless Outreach Mobile Engagement) Team. It was courageous because certain techniques to help seriously mentally ill people living on the streets had never been tried before. Innovative because a Psychiatrist was bringing care outside to the streets, and The Team was made up of various disciplines - Nurses, Social Workers, Peers - all working as one to save lives.
This episode is the final one of a four part series on the story of this program’s successes, with Elizabeth Cope, the Administrator and Co-Manager of 220 staff who are spread throughout the Los Angeles, California area. Here is another program leader with the same kind of dedication and enthusiasm that is bringing positive results and awards of recognition for their excellence in serving the unhoused. The program model takes will, takes funding and takes vision to implement in stemming the tide in Los Angeles and other locales, of people pouring onto the streets to live under freeway passes, tents and other ways, unable to be housed, living in dire circumstances. The LACDMH is investing in this model with the department’s motto as an operating attitude - Hope, Wellness and Recovery.
The LACDMH 24/7 access number for help is 1-800-854-7771
The National Suicide Crisis Line is #988
