Morrison County launches embedded social worker program to support law enforcement

In a bold move to address the growing mental health and social service needs in the community, Morrison County has launched a groundbreaking new program that embeds a social worker directly with local law enforcement agencies. The “REACH” (Response, Embedded Assistance, Community Help) program, introduced at the Tuesday, Jan. 28 Morrison County Board of Commissioners meeting, aims to provide critical support and resources to individuals in crisis, reducing the burden on police and improving outcomes for vulnerable residents.

“Ashlie is one more member of this team between our intake team and our already-online case managers,” said Health and Human Services Director Nathan Bertram. “And really that response might depend on who’s best (for the situation). If an individual goes to the emergency room and the emergency room doesn’t keep him, he goes home. Ashlie might follow up if the person’s still at the hospital. It really might be that clinic social worker who’s picking up at that point, and that really allows us to be flexible and use our time and resources wisely.”

Read the full article from the Morrison County Record here.