February 23, 2022
PROGRAM
20 members, including 5 on Zoom, heard Eileen Sowry, embedded social worker with the Columbia Heights Police Department, and Columbia Heights Police Captains Erik Johnston and Matt Markham, describe the steps taken to set up and initiate CHPD’s Crisis Intervention Response Program, which began in December 2021 and provides an alternative response to 911 calls which involve mental health issues. CHPD fielded over 23,000 calls in 2021, of which an estimated third involved mental health or drug addiction issues, or both. CHPD partners with Canvas Health on the program, and obtained initial funding under a federal government program. The program aims to reduce costs both to CHPD and to local hospitals and residents by reducing the frequency of ambulance transport, and to improve both police-community relations and outcomes for Columbia Heights residents. Ms. Sowry is a licensed clinical social worker with several years’ experience in the field, including in prisons.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
FCH Rotary curled at Forgotten Star Brew Company’s Bonspiel Block Party last weekend, not finding success but providing supporting Forgotten Star’s event. The brewing company was a major sponsor of last year’s Golf Classic. Thanks to participants Scott Lund, Josh Callahan, Erin Callahan, and Amada Marquez Simula.
Mark Grotewold circulated a signup sheet for volunteers to set up, serve, and take down at SACA’s Hops for Hunger event on the evening of Friday, March 25. Contact Mark to participate at markandlizgrotewold@edinarealty.com. By meeting’s end volunteers had come forward, but as many as possible are wanted.
Scott Lund promoted the Fridley Lions’ Winter Warmup, a food and beverage opportunity benefitting various local causes, on the evening of Feb. 25, at a cost of $50.00. Contact Scott at 612-860-3235 for advance tickets ($35.00).
Steve Klaers reported a successful journey yesterday to Minneapolis College and Augsburg College…thanks to Brad Gudim for accompanying the group.
REMINDERS
Speaker on March 2: Don Wurden of Fridley gives an historical review of the flags that have flown over the United States.
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