Lexington unveils new response team to handle mental health-related emergency calls

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) - The city of Lexington is addressing mental health.

Mayor Linda Gorton and local officials announced Tuesday a new crisis response team to handle mental health-related emergency calls.

The Community Crisis Response Team will assist with mental health emergency-related calls. They now have a mental health professional, Chris Perrine, partnering with EMS to handle these types of calls.

Earlier in the year, the city received a three-year $850,000 federal grant from the Kentucky Department for Medicaid Services for this team. Both the Lexington Police and Fire Departments worked together to secure the grant.

“These crisis response teams will bring a new and greater level of care to Fayette County,” Lexington Fire Chief, Jason Wells said.

Mayor Linda Gorton says the program will help EMS respond to these emergencies.

“With mental health professionals involved like Chris, we can provide a more focused approach for a person who’s in crisis,” Gorton said.

For Perrine, it’s about offering a listening ear to those who call.

“Without the badge, without the uniform and just being a person to hear somebody out, whatever it may be,” Perrine said.

The grant also provides overtime funding for police officers trained in mental health counseling.