The Mecklenburg County Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Program has received Platinum Level Certification from CIT International, marking the highest level of recognition for such programs.
The CIT program is a partnership that brings together law enforcement, behavioral health professionals, and individuals and families affected by mental illness, substance use disorder, or intellectual and developmental disabilities. The goal is to improve how the community responds to behavioral health crises by focusing on system improvements, advocacy for services, first responder training, and building strong community partnerships.
“We’re proud of our CIT team for receiving the highest level of certification from CIT International,” said Health Director Dr. Raynard Washington. “Through our partnership and collaboration with local law enforcement, first responder and mental health partners, we are better able to respond to mental health crises in our community.”
For 18 years, the Mecklenburg County CIT Program has worked with Public Health officials, 16 local law enforcement agencies, other first responders including 911 call-takers, multiple mental health organizations such as NAMI, and community volunteers. This ongoing collaboration has contributed to growth and innovation within the program.
CIT International is a nonprofit organization focused on helping communities worldwide reform their crisis response systems through developing CIT programs. The Platinum certification indicates that Mecklenburg County’s program follows best practices closely and serves as a model for others.
The approach used by the Mecklenburg County CIT Program is based on the “Memphis Model,” which began in 1988 and has since been adopted across the United States and internationally. More information about these programs can be found at both the national CIT website and the Mecklenburg County CIT website.
In related education data for Mecklenburg County schools during the 2022-23 school year, enrollment dropped slightly by 0.4% compared to the previous year according to state data (https://www.dpi.nc.gov/). During that same period, total student enrollment was reported at 153,537 students (https://www.dpi.nc.gov/).
