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DOÑA ANA COUNTY CRISIS TRIAGE CENTER

Crisis Triage Center going strong in its third month of operation

Posted

The Doña Ana County Crisis Triage Center (CTC) has seen about 40 guests since the facility opened earlier this year, CTC Clinical Director Jess Spohn said.

The CTC, which accepted its first guest June 21, is open 24/7 365 days a year to anyone age 18 or older, suffering from a mental health or substance abuse crisis, Spohn said during a Zoom presentation to the Greater Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce’s 2021 Leadership Las Cruces class.

Those visiting CTC – the staff calls them guests – can stay up to 24 hours. Referrals are voluntary, Spohn said, and no one is turned away. Spohn said referrals are not required for anyone to receive service. All insurance is accepted and no one receives a bill for CTC service.

CTC operates on four shifts during a 24-hour period, Spohn said. Each shift is staffed with a registered nurse, licensed mental health provider/clinician and peer support specialists. A psychiatric provider is available via telehealth.

A stay at CTC includes nursing, clinical and psychiatric evaluations, medications (if prescribed), peer support, three meals a day, showers and laundry service and a comprehensive discharge plan to help the guest return to the community or to seek a higher level of care.

CTC can host up to 12 guests at a time. The facility has two beds and multiple recliners.

So far, Spohn said, the average stay for a guest at CTC is six to seven hours. First responders typically spend less than five minutes taking people to CTC, she said.

CTC is operated by RI International, a nonprofit based in Arizona. It is located at 1850-B Copper Loop in Las Cruces.

In response to a question from her Zoom audience, Spohn said the best way the community can support CTC is by letting everyone know it is open and operating.

Call 575-449-8159.

Visit www.donaanacounty.org/press_release/do%C3%B1a-ana-county-crisis-triage-center-ribbon-cutting-ceremony-signals-new-direction.

Doña Ana County Crisis Triage Center

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