Image: Caroline Duncan "I am the Mental Health Data Support Intern at the Athens-Clarke County Police Department. In this role, I assist the Behavioral Health Unit's Co-Responder teams with data collection and analysis. I also work on mental health special projects as assigned, which thus far have included coordinating mental health grant funding and working on community outreach efforts. Given the unpredictable nature of the BHU, every day is different. Some days, I am creating online surveys for community use and analyzing data, while other days I am able to ride-along with units in the field, observing Co-Responder teams interact with and provide resources for individuals suffering from mental illnesses or substance abuse disorders. I have learned so much about the specific needs Athens-Clarke County has regarding mental illness and substance abuse, and how the Co-Responder model of crisis intervention works to support those needs. I have especially enjoyed my time in the field with BHU officers and have developed a special passion for mental health crisis intervention training (CIT). I look forward to sitting in on a formal CIT program soon!” Caroline is a Criminal Justice and Psychology major planning to graduate in May 2023.
