City, hotline see mutual successes

SANDPOINT — Because of its success in diverting situations before they become emergencies, North Idaho Crisis Services recently received its first contribution from the city of Sandpoint for $5,000.

NICS was implemented last year by the National Alliance on Mental Illness Far North as a way to extend its reach to those experiencing a mental health crisis by providing a free, after-hours hotline with licensed mental health clinicians available to individuals of Bonner and Boundary counties.

"This is the first time the city or the county has ever put something into a specific mental health program, so that is a huge step in the right direction; we have a problem and are trying to address it," said Catherine Perusse, NAMI board member and NICS clinical director. "We are just trying to make things better around here.

The city included the $5,000 in this year's police budget, and Perusse said Sandpoint Police Chief Corey Coon has been "wonderful" in working with the crisis service.

"It’s really great for law enforcement because it helps offset some of our calls," Coon said. "And we can help refer (people in crisis) to someone to talk to."

Perusse said city administrator Jennifer Stapleton was instrumental in having the crisis line information printed on the city's utility bills as well.

"It’s something that really benefits the operations and efficiency of our department," Stapleton said. (The crisis line) provides the community a much-needed service from a group of individuals who are really better positioned to provide it than our police department."

The most recent numbers for the hotline Perusse had on hand were for January and February, where clinicians spoke with 15 and 13 individuals respectively. The calls included a variety of different crises, she said, from mild to severe depression as well as other mental health issues. Perusse said the clinicians always do follow-up calls as well, though it is not as successful as she would like. Some people may not answer the call because they don't recognize the number on caller ID, she said, but they do make two attempts with each person in crisis.

And the hotline is not limited to helping those with mental health issues. It is for anyone in crisis, which could include an individual or family not getting their winter firewood in by October, she said.

"It doesn't matter what it is, we share our resources," Perusse said. "Our clinicians all work in this community, they know this community, so they are able to really have their finger on what's available."

Along with the help from NICS in offsetting calls and providing professional support for those in crisis, NAMI also helps the city out by providing transportation to and from the North Idaho Crisis Center in Coeur d'Alene.

"Our mental holds have dropped significantly in the last year because of the crisis center and some of the partnerships that we have going," Coon said.

In the past, Sandpoint police provided all transportation to the center for local residents suffering from a mental health crisis. While SPD still provides some "courtesy transports" to the crisis center, Coon said, those transported have to find a way to get home after their stay. That is where NAMI comes in, the Sandpoint Police chief said. 

Perusse said NAMI contracts with Positive Solutions in Bonners Ferry to provide rides to those who need it. Positive Solutions is bonded and insured, she said, and the purpose is to make people feel safe and secure.

"If you are going to the crisis center you are already in a crisis," Perusse said. "You need to feel safe."

Last year's NICS budget was $76,000, Perusse said, and this year she hopes to go to a 24-hour hotline rather than limited to after hours. There are a lot more resources during business hours, she said, so it would be beneficial to make the expansion. The on-call clinicians are paid minimum wage.

The after-hours line is available between 5 p.m. and 8 a.m., Monday through Friday, and 24 hours on weekends and holidays at 208-946-5595.

For more information, go online to namifarnorth.org or northidahocrisis.org.

Mary Malone can be reached by email at mmalone@bonnercountydailybee.com and follow her on Twitter @MaryDailyBee.