Mental Health, Substance Use and Crisis Conference at Augustana helps first responders work with people in crisis

The Geneseo Police Department is hosting an event geared towards improving emergency services personnel’s responses to people in crisis.

The Mental Health, Substance Use and Crisis Conference will be on Friday, July 26 at Augustana College in Rock Island. This event is for emergency services personnel, including police, fire, ambulance, hospital staff and social workers, who work with community members, especially those affected by mental health, substance use and dementia.

The conference works to train emergency personnel to approach vulnerable people with compassion. The conference’s keynote speaker is retired San Antonio police officer Ernie Stevens, known for the HBO documentary “Ernie and Joe, Crisis Cops.” Stevens will tell participants ways emergency personnel can divert people in need away from jail and into mental health and/or substance use treatment.

The program is not open to the public. The speaker schedule includes:

8 a.m. Welcome by Det. Jamie Shoemaker, Geneseo Police Department, 2023 Illinois Policewoman of the Year

8:30 – 9 a.m. Mark Bensen, Illinois Critical Incident Team Program

9:30 – 11 a.m. Ernie Stevens

11 a.m. Lunch (provided)

11:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. Haley DeGreve with The Gray Matters Collective

12 – 12:30 p.m. Lt. Tom Reagan ret. – Veteran Services and PTSD

12:30 – 1:30 p.m. Captain. Dan Roach, ret. – Cornerstone Retreat for First Responders

1:30 – 2:30 p.m. Jeff McFadden, System of Care Coordinator (Lived Experience)

2:30 – 3:30 p.m. Jennifer Marcellis, Domestic Violence & LGBTQIA

Vendors with resources for working with people dealing with mental health, substance abuse and dementia will be on site throughout the day.

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