METHUEN — Chief Scott McNamara and Front Line Services President and CEO Matthew Page-Shelton are pleased to report that the Methuen Police Department, in collaboration with Front Line Services, launched the new Police Assisted Therapeutic Help (PATH) Program, a U.S. Department of Justice funded community-focused program aimed at helping those experiencing behavioral health challenges.
On Monday, June 17, the Methuen Police Department officially launched the PATH program. The PATH Program will provide a robust response to community behavioral health concerns and will include a Crisis Intervention Team comprised of an officer and clinician providing direct response to mental health crises; a Community Response Team comprised of a clinician and peer specialist providing assistance, outreach and education to the community of Methuen; and a PATH Rapid Outpatient team to provide immediate access to short-term outpatient services for those in need.
“Today, Methuen is taking a powerful step forward in ending the stigma surrounding mental health in its community,” said Page-Shelton.
The PATH Program combines several recently implemented new programs created in partnership between Methuen Police and Front Line Services to create a comprehensive, three-pronged system that will support those with behavioral health issues.
“To give you an idea of the challenges we face: Upwards of 25% of all our calls for service are related to mental health or substance use disorders,” said Chief McNamara.
The PATH Program’s Crisis Intervention Team will respond directly to behavioral health crises within the community to assist police with deflecting individuals from unnecessary arrests and emergency room visits.
The Community Response Team will follow up with individuals suffering from behavioral health or substance use issues to connect them with services, while the PATH Rapid Outpatient team will connect residents to outpatient behavioral health services.
The program is funded by several grants from the U.S. Department of Justice, including a $400,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office), as well as a $550,000 Justice Mental Health Collaborative Partnership grant from the Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance.
The PATH program is the result of work conducted by the Methuen Mental Health Task Force, comprised of members of the Police Department, Fire Department, Senior Center, Schools, Library, Health Department and other community stakeholders.
“I am proud of the progress we have made and excited for the positive impact the PATH Program will have on our community,” said Chief McNamara. “Together, we are paving the way for a safer, more supportive and compassionate Methuen.”
