AIRWAY HEIGHTS — In partnership with the Cheney Police Department, the city announced on March 21 that it will apply for a continuation grant for two full-time behavioral health co-responders.
This grant funding will run out in June of this year, and the joint application for continuing funds will be submitted in the coming weeks.
“We want to combine our resources and benefit our communities that way. One of the first things we want to do is provide for response to mental health cases.” Cheney Police Chief Rick Beghtol said.
The city is taking the lead on applying for the grant and employing the behavioral health specialists, one of which will be stationed in Cheney, the other in Airway Heights.
The two mental health response teams, consisting of one licensed mental health professional each, would respond to calls involving behavioral health concerns such as a mental health crisis, suicidal ideation, or needing drug or alcohol treatment.
“We are receiving applicants currently, and after the application process, both Brad Richmond, police chief of Airway Heights, and I will jointly consider all qualified applicants.” Beghtol said.
These units would be operational as soon as they became employed, according to Beghtol.
Lucas is a former Cheney Free Press managing editor. He is a nationally published author who contributes regularly to several publications across the country.
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