Crisis Diversion Facility Construction and Operations

Spoke as a peer support specialist and NAMI board member urging approval of the crisis diversion center to save lives.

Chapel Hill Police Chief spoke in strong support of the facility, noting that police need alternatives to jail for behavioral health crises.

Led the Chapel Hill police crisis team in advocating for the facility as a humane, person-centered alternative to emergency rooms and jails.

NAMI Orange County president spoke passionately about families facing impossible choices during mental health emergencies.

Behavioral health professional and peer specialist supported the center for providing immediate stabilization and reducing incarcerations.

Questioned the absence of children's inpatient services in the updated plan and asked whether operational costs and existing facilities were adequately evaluated.

Supported the facility, noting that unlike some local shelters, the new center will be open to all individuals regardless of insurance or immigration status.

Urged swift construction approval, sharing personal parenting experience and highlighting youth mental health and suicide statistics.

Spoke about collaborative policing and community diversion models in Washington DC as a precedent for Orange County's center.