Members of the El Paso County Sheriff's Office will be joining with other law enforcement agencies for Mental Health First Aid Training, which is being provided by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), Peak View Behavioral Health and the Bank of Colorado.  This training will take place on Wednesday, March 9, 2016, from
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, at the Office of the Sheriff, located at 27 E. Vermijo Avenue.

Many of the individuals law enforcement encounter on a routine basis suffer from substance abuse and/or some form of mental illness.  It is crucial for law enforcement to have a foundation for how to recognize those suffering from mental illness, be trained in what signs to look for when dealing with this population of our community, as well as be given tools on how to deescalate behavior and help them cope with the crisis they are facing.

We are excited about the partnership that has developed with NAMI, Peak View Behavioral Health and the Bank of Colorado.  Their generosity has allowed for this training to be provided free of charge and we are grateful for their willingness to invest in our community.

Media is welcome to attend.  Please contact Media Relations Manager, Jacqueline Kirby to arrange a time.