“Mental health is the only medical disorder that could end a person up in jail.” – A Helmsley Trustee, Walter Panzirer.

Technology will provide South Dakota law enforcement officers with mental health expertise during a crisis, funded by a $1 million Helmsley grant. Under a Virtual Crisis Care pilot program, mental health professionals with Avera Health eCARE in Sioux Falls will use video conferencing to help law enforcement and/or court services officers in 23 counties de-escalate, assess, and stabilize those in a crisis and later arrange for follow-up care. Watch the recorded press event here.