Hospital, police working together

Atlantic Health System’s Newton Medical Center is part of an initiative aimed at reshaping responses to mental health crises and reducing violence.

The Alternative Responses to Reduce Instances of Violence and Escalation (ARRIVE) Together program launched in Sussex County in January.

The statewide program, led by the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General, is a collaboration between police departments and behavioral health professionals.

By integrating law enforcement and mental health expertise, it seeks to provide more compassionate and effective responses to mental health emergencies.

”The launch of the ARRIVE Together program in Sussex County represents a significant step forward in our ongoing efforts to promote mental health awareness and enhance community safety,” said Geralda Xavier, chief medical officer, Newton and Hackettstown Medical Centers. “By working together with law enforcement, we can create a more empathetic response to individuals in crisis.”

Under the ARRIVE Together program, law enforcement officers identify people who may benefit from behavioral health intervention during emergency calls.

Officers call Newton Medical Center’s crisis hotline to say a patient needs to be seen, then coordinate the outreach. The approach aims to de-escalate situations and connect individuals with appropriate mental health services, fostering a safer and more supportive community environment.

Towns participating in the ARRIVE Together program are Andover Township, Byram, Franklin, Hamburg, Hardyston, Hopatcong, Newton, Ogdensburg, Sparta, Stanhope and Vernon.

Since December 2021, there have been almost 2,975 ARRIVE Together interactions statewide. In March, a dashboard was launched to provide the public with information about the work of ARRIVE Together teams. It is online at njoag.gov/programs/arrivedata/