Improving Community Safety and Support in Rural and Frontier Counties in southwest Colorado and the Western Slope

Transforming Community Response with

Co-Responder programs

Discover the power of collaborative, community-centric co-response with Axis Health System. Our Regional Community Response Teams and Co-Responder Programs are designed to address the growing need for comprehensive support during non-criminal calls for service. By integrating law enforcement, mental health providers, and community support, these programs aim to create a safer, more connected community.

Results

5,851 calls for service from January 2022 to July 2024
37% of calls resulted in connections to primary care services in 2023
.005% arrest rate in 2023

A “health first” approach

Right support at the right time

When community members face crises, navigating a fragmented system can be overwhelming. Our teams provide vital assistance, ensuring individuals receive the right support and resources promptly.
Enhanced Job Satisfaction for First Responders
First responders are no longer alone in mental health work in the field. Co-responder programs allow patrol staff and first responders to focus on proactive policing, reducing burnout, and enhancing their ability to serve the community effectively.

Synergy Between Key Community Players

By fostering collaboration between law enforcement, mental health providers, EMS, and other community supports, we create a unified approach to crisis response, reducing redundancy and improving outcomes. Community response programs create bridges between first responders and the healthcare system.

Reduction in 911 Calls and ER Utilization

High utilizers of emergency services often need more than a quick visit from first responders. Our intervention strategies aim to reduce unnecessary contact with law enforcement and ER visits by providing appropriate care and follow-up support.

Regional Programs

Delta Police Department and Delta County Sheriff’s Office: Axis behavioral health providers offer secondary-response support, ensuring that individuals in crisis receive specialized care quickly and effectively. This program is funded by the Colorado Behavioral Health Administration. The program was launched in 2018.

Durango Police Department: Patrol officers work alongside Axis behavioral health providers to provide de-escalation, problem-solving, and mental health support. This program is funded by the City of Durango. The Durango Police Department CORE program was started in 2022.

La Plata County Sheriff’s Office: Deputies and Axis behavioral health providers collaborate to address mental health and substance use issues, and other calls to 911 that are appropriate for the team. This program is funded by a grant from the Colorado Division of Criminal Justice and La Plata County. The program was started in 2023.

Montezuma County Community Intervention Program: Cortez Fire Protection District EMTs paired with Axis behavioral health providers offer essential support, education, and risk assessments, significantly improving outcomes for individuals in crisis. CIP was launched in 2022.

Montrose Police Department and Montrose County Sheriff’s Office: Officer and Deputies partner with Axis BH providers, who come to the scene to offer secondary-response support, ensuring that individuals in crisis receive specialized care quickly and effectively. This program is funded by the Colorado Behavioral Health Administration.

How it works

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of calls do Regional Community Response Teams handle?

Our teams respond to welfare checks, de-escalation situations, risk assessments, suicide prevention, conflict resolution, and more.

How do these programs benefit my community?

They improve resource navigation, enhance first responder job satisfaction, foster collaboration, and reduce reliance on emergency services.
At Axis, we believe in the power of community and collaboration. Our Regional Community Response Teams and Co-Responder Programs are designed to create a safer, more supportive environment for everyone.

Want to know more?

Are you ready to transform your community’s response to crises? Partner with Axis Health System to improve support, reduce emergency service utilization, and create a safer environment for everyone.

How can I get started with implementing a community response program in my community?

Contact us to discuss your community’s needs, establish partnerships, and develop a customized plan for your response program.

Step 1: Assess Community Needs
Each team is designed to serve the unique needs of your community. This includes identifying gaps in services and the most common types of crises.
Step 2: Build Collaborative Partnerships
Strong partnerships with law enforcement, mental health providers, EMS, Fire, and other essential services ensure a cohesive response to crises.
Step 3: Deploy Expert Teams
Our teams, consisting of behavioral health professionals and first responders, are deployed through 911 to handle crises effectively. They provide immediate support, risk assessments, de-escalation, and resource connections.
Step 4: Continuous Improvement
We collect data and feedback to continuously refine our approach, ensuring that our programs remain effective, efficient, and responsive to community needs.