The Rotary Club of Waynesboro is sponsoring a special community presentation of Crisis Intervention Training to be held at the Wayne Theatre on Thursday, May 24.
Admission is free and the doors open at 6 p.m.
The demonstration will be conducted by the Blue Ridge Crisis Intervention Team to provide the audience with an overview of mental health issues. In the dramatic presentation, the actual dynamics of a crisis intervention are acted out. The emotion and danger are presented in real time for our live audience. These intervention exercises help officers avoid unnecessary shootings.
Understanding the stigma of mental illness, basic concepts of mental health, special populations, verbal de-escalation skills, and introduction of local and regional services and resources are all part of the training.
The Blue Ridge CIT has been recognized for excellence at the regional, state and international level. In 2015, the program was selected by the Central Shenandoah EMS Council for their health and safety award.
In 2017 the program received the Virginia CIT Coalition’s recognition awards in three separate categories.
- Behavioral Health Provider of the Year.
- Communications Officer of the Year.
- Virginia CIT Program of the Year.
The Blue Ridge Crisis Intervention Team was formed in 2009 through a collaborative agreement between Valley Community Services Board and law enforcement agencies within the area. Partners include the Augusta Country Sheriff’s Office, Staunton Police Department, Waynesboro Police Department, Middle River Regional Jail, Highland County Sheriff’s Office and the Staunton Regional Office of the Virginia State Police.
This program provides valuable insight into community mental health issues and the attendant challenges officers encounter on a daily basis.
The Rotary Club of Waynesboro is in District 7570 of Rotary International and meets every Thursday from noon to 1pm at the Waynesboro Country Club. More information at www.waynesbororotary.org.
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Chris Graham
