NAMI California (NAMI CA) is excited to share that we have reached our goal for the Mental Health Crisis Prevention Voluntary Tax Contribution Fund! Thank you to all those who donated and helped us spread this important message.
NAMI CA partners with the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) program, and California’s legislative community to decrease the number of violent encounters when officers respond to a person experiencing a mental health crisis. This partnership created the Mental Health Crisis Prevention Voluntary Tax Contribution Fund, which is an innovative program that provides training, tools, and resources to law enforcement agencies so they can safely interact with and support people during a mental health crisis.
Our work to bridge the gap between mental health and public safety is moving forward thanks to this success. These funds will support mental health crisis intervention strategies.
Contributions will help support and expand the successful mental health crisis intervention strategies. To date, over 10,000 law enforcement personnel have received training on de-escalation skills, scenario-based training for mental health crisis response, instruction from experienced officers, including input from individuals and families impacted by mental illness. Funding will also be used to expand work to provide internal support groups for officers, leadership training and greater coordination with community organizations. Training and support will be constantly updated to ensure it takes advantage of the latest tools and technologies.
In partnership with the CHP, NAMI CA will ensure contributions to the Mental Health Crisis Prevention Voluntary Tax Contribution Fund are properly managed using the SAFE California Model. This guarantees the program operates on best practices, enabling police officers to have safe and peaceful encounters with persons living with a mental illness.
Interested in donating as you complete your taxes? Follow these simple instructions.