Graduation of Crisis Response & Intervention Training class

Birmingham VA’s Veterans Response Team proudly celebrated the graduation of its third Crisis Response and Intervention Training (CRIT) class in July.

This significant milestone marks the successful completion of training for 24 dedicated members, bringing the total number of graduates to 64 since the program’s inception.

The week-long program is a collaborative initiative designed to equip first responders and community partners with essential tools and knowledge to effectively address mental and behavioral health crises among Veterans. The program underscores the vital need for improved cooperation between first responders and VA resources, aiming to fortify partnerships and enhance crisis interventions.

Participants included personnel from a broad spectrum of community stakeholders, including representatives from the Birmingham VA, Charleston VA, Montgomery VA, Augusta VA, Moody Police Department, St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office, Hoover Police Department, Alabama National Guard, Army Civilian Employees and a North Carolina congressional liaison.

The comprehensive training covered critical topics such as behavioral health, mental illness, intellectual and developmental disabilities, psychosis disorders, legal issues, substance use disorders and suicide prevention. This diverse curriculum is tailored to empower participants with the necessary skills to effectively support Veterans in crisis.

A beacon of community response and support

In 2023, Birmingham VA initiated the Veterans Response Team (VRT), a program that has quickly become a beacon of hope for Veterans and the community. The VRT aims to establish a crucial link between community first responders and VA resources, playing a pivotal role in crisis situations involving Veterans.

The mission of the VRT is clear: Support Veterans in crisis, reduce Veteran suicides, enhance participation in mental health treatment and foster increased collaboration within the community while supporting local law enforcement agencies.

Since its formation, the VRT has handled more than 85 calls from internal staff and community emergency response teams, addressing issues ranging from homelessness and mental health to jail diversion and threatening behaviors. While not all calls result in legal action being avoided, the team’s efforts have significantly contributed to de-escalating crises, ensuring the safety of both Veterans and emergency responders.

The VRT continues to act as a vital bridge, connecting emergency personnel with VA’s dispatch office, enabling access to resources and direct communication with Veterans to mitigate crises and ensure safe transportation to VA medical facilities.

This graduation ceremony not only celebrates the accomplishments of the latest CRIT class, but it also highlights the ongoing commitment of the Birmingham VA Health Care System to support and protect our Veterans through comprehensive training and community collaboration.