May 2025 Newsletter

Email from International Co-Responder Alliance

Team Safety: A Shared Responsibility

Tuesday, May 20

1PM EST / 12PM CST

In co-response and crisis response, everyone plays a vital role in team safety. This month's Conversation Amongst Peers will explore safety considerations, protocols, and training. Please come prepared to discuss the gaps you're seeing or the questions you have. We'll leverage our collective strength to learn from each other.

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CoRCon is 30 Days Away!

The CoRCon 2025 countdown is on. We're set to welcome more than 900 attendees June 1 - 4 in Atlanta, GA. Keep scrolling to check out three things you need to know about the conference.

There's Still Time to Register

We have a spot for you! It all begins with a pre-conference on Sunday, June 1. Make the most of your time in Atlanta by registering here for the pre-conference if you haven't already.

More than 900 people are registered for the main conference June 2 - 4, and there's still time to book your spot. Register for CoRCon 2025 here by May 19.

You Have More Time to Book Your Hotel

Don't sweat it! You now have until May 7 to book a room at this year's host hotel, the Hilton Atlanta. Get your room now, before they're all booked.

Enjoy Two Nights of Networking

We hope to see you at two nights of networking, which are included in your full conference registration!

Plan your travel accordingly to enjoy the first networking event at World of Coca-Cola on Sunday, June 1. You can learn more and register here.

Then, on Monday, join us from 5:30pm - 7pm at the Hilton Atlanta to enjoy live music, light appetizers, and one complimentary drink ticket.

NETWORKING EVENTS

Share Your CoRCon Excitement on LinkedIn!

Let your peers know you're attending CoRCon in two simple steps:

1. Download the graphic above

2. Post it on LinkedIn, check out this year's schedule, and mention in your post which session you're most looking forward to.

Don't forget to tag ICRA and use the hashtag #CoRCon!

There's Still Time to Sponsor CoRCon 2025

VIEW THE SPONSOR GUIDE

ICRA members can check out our online learning library for a recording of last month’s Coffee Break! Jennifer Spoeri, Executive Director of the National Adult Protective Services Association, shared about APS and how to best collaborate during moments of crisis for vulnerable adults.

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Are you looking to build your team? Visit the ICRA Member Area to post or search job openings in the Co-Response and Crisis Response field.

Mental Health Supervisor, Campus Safety, University of Denver | Denver, CO

Co-Responder Clinician | Longmont, CO

Sherburne County Co-Responder | Elk River, MN

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Read: Erie Police's mental health co-responders see rise in calls from community

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coresponderalliance.org

April 2025 Newsletter

Email from International Co-Responder Alliance

Working with Adult Protective Services

Thursday, April 17

2PM EST / 1PM CST

Co-responder teams regularly respond to calls involving older adults in a behavioral health crisis and turn to adult protective services (APS) for assistance, with varying degrees of success. Similarly, APS turns to behavioral health for assistance with meeting client needs. In this Coffee Break, you will learn from an expert about what APS is, its limitations, and how to build relationships. Come prepared to ask questions you have about APS and elder abuse generally.

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Have a Coke and a Smile at CoRCon!

Join Highland Rivers Behavioral Health, Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, and CareSource on Sunday, June 1, for an exciting evening of networking at the World of Coca-Cola!

Each conference attendee can register for one free ticket, which includes a selection of desserts, two alcoholic drink tickets per adult, and transportation.

REGISTER FOR WORLD OF COCA-COLA

Share Your CoRCon Excitement on LinkedIn!

Let your peers know you're attending CoRCon in three simple steps:

1. Check out this year's schedule

2. Download the graphic above

3. Post it on LinkedIn and mention which session you're most looking forward to

Don't forget to tag ICRA and use the hashtag #CoRCon2025!

REGISTER FOR CORCON

REGISTER FOR THE PRE-CONFERENCE

There's Still Time to Sponsor CoRCon 2025

VIEW THE SPONSOR GUIDE

Are you looking to build your team? Visit the ICRA Member Area to post or search job openings in the Co-Response and Crisis Response field.

Director of B-HEARD | New York, NY

MSW in EMS | Auburn, WA

ADD YOUR JOB POSTINGS

Watch: Kansas police departments strengthen crisis response with training focused on mental health

Read: City of Lincoln touts positive impact of new Co-responder Program

Read: Garden City PD starts mental health co-responder program

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JOIN THE ICRA MAILING LIST

coresponderalliance.org

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March 2025 Newsletter

Email from International Co-Responder Alliance

The Co-Response Lane: Navigating Expectations and Setting Scope

Wednesday, March 19

1PM EST / 12PM CST

External organizations like schools, colleges, healthcare facilities, and even strong neighborhood and community groups often have expectations of what a co-responder can or should provide. In this conversation amongst peers, we’ll discuss the importance of building relationships with these stakeholders to navigate their expectations and communicate scope of service for co-responders.

Come ready to discuss:

Your considerations for scope of service for co-responders
Policies and procedures to guide co-responders within scope
How you engage stakeholders to set expectations and clearly communicate.

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Check out the CoRCon 2025 Schedule!

The CoRCon 2025 schedule is live, so take a look at the great sessions we have planned for you in Atlanta, June 1-4. The schedule and this justification message template are two great tools to help make your case to attend CoRCon 2025, so that you don't miss out on a minute of learning and networking with your peers.

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Sign Up for the Pre-Conference to Learn from These Speakers

How to Handle Hoarding

Maria Spetalnik is a Board Certified Professional Organizer with over 30 years of experience helping others to establish control of their lives by helping them control their clutter.

During the Pre-Conference, she'll discuss hoarding, it's effects on family and community, and how your program can approach the sensitive topic.

Learn more about Maria here.

Caring for the Vulnerable After Tragedy

Metro Nashville Police Captain Anthony Brooks, Commander Scott Byrd, and Mental Health Cooperative Director of Co-Response Services Michael Randolph responded to a school shooting in 2023. They'll share the unexpected role of co-response in the wake of this tragedy.

Learn more about the speakers here.

REGISTER FOR THE PRE-CONFERENCE

VIEW THE CORCON SPONSOR GUIDE

Whether you have one co-responder or 20, quality training is essential to creating and maintaining a successful program. Johnson County (KS) Mental Health Center’s Co-Responder Supervisors, Jen Melby and Morgan Knight, share with ICRA members how they have adapted the original co-responder training processes to mirror a Field Training Officer (FTO) program. Jen and Morgan have also been kind enough to provide a bunch of example materials to help you start your own FTO-style program.

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Are you looking to build your team? Visit the ICRA Member Area to post or search job openings in the Co-Response and Crisis Response field.

New Program Coordinator | Olathe, KS

Three Co-Responder Openings | Adams County, CO

ADD YOUR JOB POSTINGS

Let's Chat!

There are several new topics in the CR Chat section of the ICRA Member area. Check them out and let your peers know if you have helpful experience or similar questions when it comes to these topics:

Co-Response Safety Training

Nurse on a Co-Response Team

Exempt vs. Non-Exempt - Overtime/On-Call

Read: Law Enforcement Leaders Want Specialized Response Programs, New Survey Says

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JOIN THE ICRA MAILING LIST

coresponderalliance.org

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This email was sent by the author for the sole purpose of testing a draft message. If you believe you have received the message in error, please contact the author by replying to this message. Constant Contact takes reports of abuse very seriously. If you wish to report abuse, please forward this message to abuse@constantcontact.com.

February 2025 Newsletter

Email from International Co-Responder Alliance

Adapting the FTO Program for Clinicians

Tuesday, February 18

1PM EST / 12PM CST

Whether you have one co-responder or 20, quality training is essential to creating and maintaining a successful program. Johnson County (KS) Mental Health Center’s Co-Responder Supervisors, Jen Melby and Morgan Knight, will share with ICRA members how they have adapted the original co-responder training processes to mirror a Field Training Officer (FTO) program.

SIGN UP NOW

Register Now for CoRCon 2025

CoRCon 2025 registration is open and it's first come, first served. Sign up now to be one of more than 1,000 co-responders, first responders, and behavioral health professionals networking and learning at the conference in Atlanta, GA, June 1-4.

REGISTER NOW

Make Your Case

Do you need help telling your leaders why you'd benefit from attending CoRCon 2025? We've written a justification message you can download, edit, and share with your team to make your case for attending CoRCon 2025.

JUSTIFICATION MESSAGE

View the CoRCon 2025 Sponsor Guide

Every year, our great sponsors make CoRCon possible. Again this year, we have tiered and event sponsorship opportunities. If you don't see something that fits your needs, we're happy to work with you to meet your interests.

VIEW THE SPONSOR GUIDE

We're excited to introduce you to three new members of ICRA's Board of Directors! Each was selected during a competitive process that included applications from co-response professionals across the country.

Jennifer Howes

Jennifer Howes, Ph.D. is a licensed clinical psychologist, currently serving as Chief Mental Health Director for the division of Student Health and Well-Being at Johns Hopkins University (JHU). Dr. Howes has practiced in a range of clinical settings, including the Los Angeles County Jail system, community mental health, private practice, and over 15 years of experience serving students and leading teams at colleges and universities.

Elizabeth Reyes

Elizabeth Reyes began her career with the City of Los Angeles as a Legal Clerk at the City Attorney’s Office, where she first worked alongside LAPD officers. She joined the LAPD in 2001, serving in various assignments as a police officer, including five years with the Mental Evaluation Unit (MEU), Crisis Response Support Section, where she discovered her passion. During this time, she earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Criminal Justice.

Zach Zepeski

Zachary Zepeski is a dedicated law enforcement professional with extensive experience in crisis response and mental health intervention. Currently serving as a Deputy with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO), Zachary is a key member of the Community Response Team (CRT), a specialized unit focused on addressing incidents involving mental health concerns.

MEET THE BOARD

We know you have questions to ask your peers! The CR Chat is a great way to find answers and best practices. Log into the ICRA Member Area to post questions or share the exciting new things you and your team are working on.

CR CHAT

Are you looking to build or grow your team? Visit the ICRA Member Area to post or search job openings in the Co-Response and Crisis Response field.

Co-Responder | Framingham, MA

ADD YOUR JOB POSTINGS

Watch: Knoxville's Co-Response Teams Break Barriers to Mental Health Support

Read: Westfield State University Introduces Pioneering Law Enforcement, Mental Health Co-response Grad Program

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coresponderalliance.org

January 2025 Newsletter

Email from International Co-Responder Alliance

Building Up Buy-In

Thursday, January 9

2PM EST / 1PM CST

Have you ever had trouble rallying buy-in for your co-response program – especially among first responders who may not be familiar with this work? In this conversation amongst peers, you'll have a chance to share how you've earned buy-in. Whether you're a co-responder or a first responder there's room for everyone to share what you think paves the way for strong internal program support.

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Register Now for CoRCon 2025

CoRCon 2025 registration is open and it's first some, first served. More than 1,000 co-responders, first responders, and behavioral health professionals are expected to attend the conference in Atlanta, GA, June 1-4, 2025. We're looking forward to learning and networking together!

REGISTER NOW

View the CoRCon 2025 Sponsor Guide

Every year, our great sponsors make CoRCon possible. Again this year, we have tiered and event sponsorship opportunities. If you don't see something that fits your needs, we're happy to work with you to meet your interests.

VIEW THE SPONSOR GUIDE

In some cases, the Round Rock Fire Department administers a low dose of the antipsychotic Olanzapine in the field to avoid hospitalization and begin early treatment for psychosis. We discuss implementation and early outcomes of the protocol along with assessment, de-escalation techniques, treatment, safety planning, and case studies.

WATCH NOW

Are you looking to build your team in the new year? Visit the ICRA Member Area to post or search job openings in the Co-Response and Crisis Response field.

ADD YOUR JOB POSTINGS

Watch: Chattanooga Police Department's Crisis Co-Responder Unit seeing rise in calls for help during holidays.

SHARE YOUR STORIES

JOIN THE ICRA MAILING LIST

coresponderalliance.org

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