According to the Carmel Police Dept., officers completed 57 immediate detention case reports in 2014. By 2018, that number rose to 165 reports. Immediate detentions occur when an officer has reasonable grounds to believe an individual has a mental illness, is either dangerous or gravely disabled and is in immediate need of hospitalization and treatment.
In response to the increasing number of mental health-related calls, Carmel Cares will host a Mental Health Awareness Forum at 6 p.m. April 24 at Orchard Park Elementary School, 10404 Orchard Park Dr. South.
“During the past several years, the CPD has experienced increases in the amount of calls for service related to mental health,” officer Jim Grose said. “There are many factors that can impact the state of an individual’s mental health. The goal of the event is to be proactive and provide attendees with information about various topics and access to vendors that provide services and resources that can help them, their family members, or other members of the community.”
Carmel Cares carefully reviewed the biggest issues facing the community and chose six topics on which to focus. Participants can choose from a variety of options during two breakout sessions.
Topics are:
- 6:30 p.m., Self-coping Skills Toolbox, Michelle Yadon, inclusion supervisor with Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation
- 6:30 p.m., The Pill Problem, James Ginder, health education specialist with Indiana Dept. of Health
- 6:30 p.m., Domestic Violence and Trauma, Susan Sherer-Vincent, LCSW, LMFT, CAC
- 7:15 p.m., Suicide Awareness & Prevention, Melissa Peregrin, executive director of Indiana Center for Prevention of Youth Abuse & Suicide Prevention
- 7:15 p.m., Mindfulness and Positive Thinking, Camille Sexton-Villalta, PhD, HSPP, Indiana Health Group
- 7:15 p.m., Human Trafficking, Lavonne Savage, executive director of Grace House
A vendor marketplace will offer resources for those dealing with mental health issues. Participants must be 18 years or older and must register in advance by visiting eventbrite.com/e/carmel-cares-a-mental-health-awareness-forum-registration-59050166638.
