Strengthening Communities with HEALTHY & JUST Solutions
Our approach involves reimagining the roles of behavioral health crisis services, police, courts, jails and prisons and developing holistic, community-based solutions to mass incarceration, criminalization of behavioral health conditions, and racial injustice. Through collaboration with a broad network of experts, we develop innovative, cross-system strategies to address complex social issues.
Learn how our projects and initiatives are shaping healthier and more just communities!
Police Response to People with Mental Illness & Substance Use Disorders
Pioneered the Criminal Justice Diversion Project working with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Massachusetts. For over 8 years, focused on empowering Police Departments to provide optimal responses to individuals with behavioral health disorders. We facilitated access to Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) and Mental Health First Aid training and worked closely with community-based organizations to tailor responsive approaches for high-need individuals and families.
District Attorney Offices and Innovative Diversion Programs
In conjunction with John Jay College of Criminal Justice, providing DA leadership with strategic planning and technical assistance designed to enhance collaboration with behavioral health systems partners and to improve outcomes for individuals with behavioral health needs who come into contact with and pass through the criminal legal system. Providing content expertise and augment strategic planning and implementation of emerging leading-edge diversion and reentry initiatives. Collaborating with District Attorney leadership to ensure upstream intervention with high-risk individuals and families at risk of criminal legal involvement, via peers, credible messengers and other relevant health and human service staff to interrupt violence and to ensure their connection with sustainable community-based services and supports.
Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) for Opioid Use Disorder in Jails and Prisons
Working with correctional health providers to design and launch Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) programs in jails and prisons to assure continuity of care, promote recovery and support successful reentry into the community.
Emerging Corrections Lab at John Jay College
Collaborating with John Jay College's emerging Corrections Lab, advancing research and innovation in criminal justice reform. Leveraging expertise to drive more impactful reform approaches.
