Clarksville police respond to more than 1,300 mental health-related calls this year

CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – The Clarksville Police Department is raising awareness after it says it has responded to more than 1,300 mental health-related calls for service this year.

According to a social media post by the department, this included 822 calls involving individuals threatening to commit or attempting suicide.

“Behind every one of those calls is a person or family who needed help, and that’s why we’re committed to responding with compassion, understanding, and the right resources,” the department stated.

If someone is experiencing a mental health crisis, police are sharing the following resources:

• Call 911 if someone is in immediate danger, or you need an officer to respond. Let the dispatcher know it’s a mental health crisis. If available, a CIT-trained officer will be dispatched to assist.
• Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Trained counselors are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to listen, provide support and help you through the crisis.
• Call the Tennessee Statewide Crisis Line at 855-274-7471 (855-CRISIS-1) for free, confidential support 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
• Centerstone’s Crisis Stabilization Unit located at 812 Greenwood Ave. in Clarksville, Tennessee, provides immediate, in-person care for individuals experiencing a mental health crisis.

The department says it works closely with community partners, including Centerstone and NAMI.

According to police, the department has 70 Crsis Intervention Team-trained officers who have completed specialized training to recognize mental health crises, de-escalate situations and help connect individuals with the support they need.

To learn more about the CIT and other mental health resources, click here and here.

“Sometimes, helping someone doesn’t require having all the answers. Sometimes it starts with listening, showing compassion, and reminding a person that they are not alone,” the Clarksville Police Department stated. “If you’re struggling, please don’t keep it to yourself. Reach out. Help is available, and you don’t have to face it alone.”