Crisis Intervention Team Training News Briefs Archives (2016-2019)

THE FOLLOWING IS AN ARCHIVE OF THE CIT TRAINING NEWS BRIEFS FOR 2016 THROUGH 2019. FOR THE LATEST NEWS BRIEFS, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

For more information or to request Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training in your community, please contact Kellie Moran at 336-389-6132 -- or -- Robert Nelson at 910-673-7148. Both are Justice Systems Clinical Liaisons for Sandhills Center. They also may be reached by calling toll-free 1-800-256-2452.

Sandhills Center releases CIT Year in Review 2019

To celebrate a great year of Crisis Intervention Team Training in the Sandhills Center region, and to thank all of our community partners and graduates, Sandhills Center has published the third-annual CIT Year in Review. You can view the publication here.

Sandhills Center cosponsors CIT in Anson County

Sandhills Center is proud to have cosponsored Crisis Intervention Team training in Anson County during the week of Nov. 4, 2019. Thirteen members of several law enforcement agencies in Anson and surrounding counties graduated from the 40-hour training program, which was held at South Piedmont Community College (SPCC) in Wadesboro. Participants were officers and deputies representing the Anson County Sheriff's Office, Monroe Police Department, Stanfield Police Department, Union County Sheriff's Office, Waxhaw Police Department and the Wadesboro Police Department. Lt. Steven Kelly of the Wadesboro PD served as host officer. Anson County CIT is sponsored through a partnership between Sandhills Center, NAMI-Moore County, Therapeutic Alternatives Inc., SPCC and the Wadesboro Police Department. (Photo credit: George E. Reynolds Jr., NAMI-Moore County)

Anson County CIT graduates - November 2019

CIT for EMS held in Guilford County

Guilford County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) hosted Crisis Intervention Team training Oct. 28-31, 2019, with 10 students graduating from the course. Guilford County EMS and Summerfield Fire Department were represented. The 32-hour CIT for EMS class was cosponsored by Sandhills Center, Guilford Technical Community College, NAMI-Guilford and Guilford County EMS. Katie Bowers, a paramedic with Guilford County EMS, served as the host officer. Photo credit: Heather Odendahl, Sandhills Center.

Guilford County CIT for EMS graduates - October 2019

Richmond County hosts its second CIT class of the year

Sandhills Center is proud to have cosponsored Crisis Intervention Team training in Richmond County during the week of October 14, 2019. This is the second CIT class conducted in Richmond County this year. The first class graduated in January 2019. Thirteen officers representing the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, Hamlet Police Department and Rockingham Police Department participated in the October 2019 class. As part of the 40-hour curriculum, participants met individuals and families with lived experience and visited a local provider to speak with people who are receiving services. Lt. Clyde Smith of the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office served as host officer. In addition to Sandhills Center, CIT in Richmond County is cosponsored by the Richmond Community College, Daymark, NAMI – Moore County, Therapeutic Alternatives, FirstHealth, the Rockingham Police Department and the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office. Photo credit: George E. Reynolds Jr., NAMI-Moore County.

Richmond County CIT graduates - October 2019

Guilford County hosts CIT training

During the week of Oct. 7, 2019, Guilford County hosted 40 hours of Crisis Intervention Team training for 21 law enforcement officers and other first responders. Students represented the UNC-Greensboro Police Department, North Carolina A&T State University Police Department, Greensboro Police Department, Guilford Metro 911, Guilford Technical Community College (GTCC) Police Department, Guilford County Sheriff's Office and the Alamance County Sheriff's Office. Lt. Holly Pate of the Greensboro Police Department served as host officer. CIT in Guilford County is cosponsored by Sandhills Center, NAMI-Guilford, GTCC and the Greensboro Police Department. Photo credit: Kellie Moran, Sandhills Center.

Guilford County CIT graduates - October 2019

Lee County CIT held in September

Lee County hosted a 40-hour Crisis Intervention Team training class at the Lee County Emergency Services Training Center, part of Central Carolina Community College. The class was held Sept. 24-27, 2019. Capt. Greg Deck of the Sanford Police Department served as the host officer. Thirteen students -- representing the Sanford PD, Lee County Sheriff's Office and the NC Department of Public Safety-Probation and Parole -- participated in the training. CIT in Lee County is cosponsored by Sandhills Center, Therapeutic Alternatives, Central Carolina Community College, LeeCAN, Sandford PD, and NAMI-Cumberland, Harnett and Lee Counties. Photo credit: Heather Odendahl, Sandhills Center.

Lee County CIT graduates - September 2019

Moore County holds its 21st CIT class

Moore County hosted its 21st Crisis Intervention Team training class the week of Sept. 16, 2019, at Van Dusen Hall on the campus of Sandhills Community College. Sgt. Todd Maness and Lt. Bryan Monroe of the Moore County Sheriff's Office served as host officers. The 40-hour class was comprised of 14 officers from the Aberdeen Police Department, Moore County Sheriff's Office, Hoke County Sheriff's Office and Whispering Pines Police Department, as well as two telecommunicators from the Southern Pines Police Department. CIT in Moore County is a partnership between Sandhills Center, the Moore County Sheriff's Office, NAMI-Moore County, FirstHealth and Sandhills Community College. Photo credit: George E. Reynolds Jr., NAMI-Moore County.

Moore County CIT graduates - September 2019

Montgomery County CIT graduates nine first responders

Nine first responders recently graduated from Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training in Montgomery County. The training was sponsored by Sandhills Center, Montgomery Community College, the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office, FirstHealth, Daymark Recovery Services, Therapeutic Alternatives, the North Carolina Department of Public Safety (NCDPS), the Troy Police Department and NAMI-Moore County, a behavioral health advocacy organization that serves the surrounding area. The training was held August 5-9, 2019, at Montgomery Community College. Deputy Larry Johnson of the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office served as host officer. The graduates represented the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office, First Health Emergency Medical Services, the Troy Police Department, and the NC Department of Public Safety Probation and Parole. (Photo credit: George E. Reynolds Jr., NAMI-Moore County)

Montgomery County CIT graduates - August 2019

Hoke County hosts CIT training

Hoke County held Crisis Intervention Team training July 29-August 2, 2019. This is the second time that Hoke County held this valuable training for first responders. The class was held at Sandhills Community College, Raeford Campus, and was hosted by Sandhills Center, FirstHealth, the Hoke County Sheriff's Office, NAMI-Moore County and NAMI-Cumberland, Harnett and Lee. Fourteen participants from the Hoke County Sheriff's Office, Raeford Police Department and Hoke County Emergency Medical Services earned CIT certification. Lt. Jennifer Lewis of the Hoke County Sheriff's Department served as host officer. (Photo credit: Kellie Moran, Sandhills Center)

Hoke County CIT graduates - July/August 2019

Harnett County hosts 18 CIT participants in June

Sandhills Center is proud to have cosponsored Crisis Intervention Team training in Harnett County the week of June 10, 2019. Eighteen officers representing the Harnett County Sheriff’s Office and the Dunn Police Department participated in the 40-hour class. As part of the training, participants met individuals and families with lived experience, and visited a local provider to speak with people who are receiving services. Lt. Scott Jeffries of the Harnett County Sheriff’s Office served as host officer. In addition to Sandhills Center, CIT in Harnett County is cosponsored by NAMI – Cumberland, Lee & Harnett, Central Carolina Community College, Good Hope Hospital, Daymark, Therapeutic Alternatives, Harnett Health, the Dunn Police Department, and the Harnett County Sheriff’s Office. Photo credit: Kellie Moran, Sandhills Center.

Harnett County CIT graduates - June 2019

Guilford County hosts CIT training in April

CIT class for EMS held in Guilford County

Guilford County hosts first CIT class of 2019

CIT training held in Anson County

Guilford County recently completed the Crisis Intervention Team training class that was initially scheduled for Oct. 8-12, but was interrupted due to Hurricane Michael. A makeup training session and graduation ceremony was held Nov. 15 at Guilford Technical and Community College (GTCC). Officers from the Greensboro Police Department, Guilford County Sheriff's Office, GTCC, North Carolina A&T State University and the Cary Police Department represented law enforcement, and Guilford Metro 911 telecommunicators also participated in the class. Lt. Demarr Inman of the Guilford County Sheriff's Office served as host officer. CIT in Guilford County is cosponsored by Sandhills Center, NAMI-Guilford, GTCC and the Guilford County Sheriff's Office. Photo credit: Heather Odendahl, Sandhills Center Communications Specialist.

Guilford CIT -- October/November 2018

CIT training held in Harnett County

Harnett County held its third Crisis Intervention Team training class the week of Nov. 5, 2018. Thirteen officers representing the Harnett County Sheriff's Office, Lee County Sheriff's Office and the Dunn Police Department participated in the 40-hour class. The topics covered included mental illness, substance use, intellectual and developmental disabilities, legal issues, suicide prevention, medications and de-escalating crisis situations. The students met individuals and families with lived experience, and visited a local provider to speak with people who are receiving services. Lt. Scott Jeffries of the Harnett County Sheriff's Office hosted the class. In addition to Sandhills Center, CIT in Harnett County is cosponsored by NAMI - Cumberland, Lee & Harnett, Central Carolina Community College, Good Hope Hospital, Harnett Health, and the Harnett County Sheriff's Office. Photo credit: Heather Odendahl, Sandhills Center Communications Specialist.   
Harnett County CIT graduates --- November 2018

Moore County celebrates with milestone CIT class

Moore County held its 20th Crisis Intervention Team training the week of Oct. 29, 2018, at Van Dusen Hall on the campus of Sandhills Community College. Additionally, this is the 10-year anniversary for CIT in Moore County. Lt. Bryan Monroe of the Moore County Sheriff's Office served as host officer. The 40-hour class was comprised of officers from North Carolina Department of Public Safety-Probation and Parole, the Moore County Sheriff's Office Detention Center, Hoke County Emergency Medical Services, Southern Pines Police Department and the Warrior's Battalion Project from Fort Bragg. CIT in Moore County is a partnership between Sandhills Center, the Moore County Sheriff's Office, NAMI-Moore County and Sandhills Community College. Photo credit: George E. Reynolds Jr., NAMI-Moore County.
Moore County CIT graduates -- October/November 2018

Randolph County hosts CIT class

Sandhills Center, in partnership with Randolph Community College and NAMI, cosponsored Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training during the week of August 27, 2018. This was the first 40-hour CIT class held in Randolph County that was designated specifically for probation and parole officers from the Department of Community Corrections. The class was hosted by retired Master Lt. Maxine Wright of the Asheboro Police Department. Twenty officers from Moore, Montgomery and Randolph counties were represented. Graduation was officiated by long-time CIT supporter Dr. Robert Shackleford, president of Randolph Community College. Photo credit: Kellie Moran, Sandhills Center Justice Systems Clinical Liaison.

Randolph County CIT graduates -- August 2018

Inaugural CIT training held in Hoke County

Hoke County sponsored its first Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training August 6-10, 2018. In attendance were 17 officers and first responders from Cape Fear Emergency Medical Services, Sandhills Community College Police Department, Raeford Police Department, Pinehurst Police Department and the Hoke County Sheriff's Office (including Rocky, a K-9 Officer with the Hoke County Sheriff s Office). The students participated in 40 hours of instruction, including topics such as mental illness, substance use, child and adolescent behavioral health, community site visits, hearing voices exercises, role-playing activities, trauma instruction and first responder mental health. The group also heard from panels of individuals and families with lived experiences. Lt. Jennifer Lewis from the Hoke County Sheriff's Office served as the host officer. The inaugural CIT class in Hoke County was the result of a partnership between the Hoke County Sheriff's Office, Sandhills Community College-Hoke Campus, local NAMI chapters, Therapeutic Alternatives, Cape Fear Valley Medical Center, FirstHealth, Hoke County Emergency Medical Services, Cumberland County Sheriff's Office and Sandhills Center. Photo credit: George E. Reynolds Jr., NAMI-Moore County

The first-ever Hoke County CIT graduating class -- August 2018

Guilford County holds CIT training

Guilford County held a Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training for law enforcement July 30 through August 3, 2018. Twenty officers graduated from the 40-hour course. The NC A&T State University Police Department, Greensboro Police Department, High Point Police Department, and the Randolph County Sheriff's Office were represented. Many of the officers who participated are stationed in the school system as School Resource Officers. Lt. Demarr Inman from the Guilford County Sheriff's Office served as the host officer for the training. CIT is a collaboration of NAMI-Guilford, Guilford Technical Community College and Sandhills Center. Photo credit: Heather Odendahl, Sandhills Center Communications Specialist.
Guilford County CIT graduates -- July/August 2018

Lee County hosts Advanced CIT course

Lee County held its second Advanced CIT training course on June 25, 2018. Fifteen students from the Sanford Police Department, Lee County Sheriff's Office, Harnett County Sheriff's Office and Lee County Emergency Medical Services participated in the 8-hour class. The Advanced CIT course is conducted exclusively for students who have graduated from a previous 40-hour CIT class. Advanced CIT in Lee County was cosponsored by Sandhills Center, the Sanford Police Department, NAMI-Lee, Harnett and Cumberland, and Central Carolina Community College. Sgt. Greg Deck of the Sanford Police Department served as host officer. Photo credit: Kellie Moran, Sandhills Center Justice Systems Clinical Liaison.

Lee County Advanced CIT graduates -- June 2018

Sandhills Center cosponsors CIT class for paramedics

Sandhills Center cosponsored CIT training for paramedics in Guilford County during the week of June 4, 2018. Eleven members of the Guilford County and Moore County emergency medical services (EMS) departments graduated from the 32-hour training. CIT for EMS in Guilford County also was cosponsored by NAMI Guilford, Guilford Technical Community College and Guilford County EMS. Chris Wilson, paramedic for Guilford County EMS, served as host officer. Photo credit: Heather Odendahl, Sandhills Center Communications Specialist.

Guilford County CIT graduates - June 2018

Guilford County hosts its 20th CIT class

Sandhills Center and our community partners hosted the 20th Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training in Guilford County from April 23-27, 2018. The class was held at Guilford Technical Community College (GTCC), and Lt. Demarr Inman of the Guilford County Sheriff's Office served as the host officer. CIT is sponsored by Sandhills Center, NAMI Guilford, GTCC and the Guilford County Sheriff's Office. Nineteen students completed the course. Agencies represented included the Guilford County Sheriff's Office, Guilford Metro 911, UNC Greensboro Police Department, North Carolina Department of Public Safety - Probation & Parole, North Carolina A&T State University Police Department and the Greensboro Police Department. Photo credit: Heather Odendahl, Sandhills Center Communications Specialist
Guilford County CIT graduates -- April 2018

Sandhills Center publishes 2017 CIT Year In Review

Sandhills Center has compiled some highlights from the previous calendar year of Crisis Intervention Team training. We are proud of the efforts of our staff, first responders and community partners in making 2017 a great year for CIT. Click on the link below:

CIT 2017 Year in Review

Moore County hosts CIT training

Sandhills Center cosponsored Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training in Moore County from March 12-16. Lt. Bryan Monroe of the Moore County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) served as host officer. Graduates of the class include first responders from the Aberdeen Police Department, MCSO and Moore County Emergency Medical Services. Ten students completed the course, including the first paramedic to graduate in Moore County. CIT in Moore County is a collaboration between Sandhills Center and the Moore County Sheriff's Office, NAMI-Moore County and Sandhills Community College. Photo credit: George E. Reynolds Jr., NAMI-Moore County.

Moore County CIT graduates -- March 2018

Guilford County kicks off CIT 2018

The first Crisis Intervention Team training class of the new year was held in Guilford County from Feb. 19-23. Students represented nine first responder agencies including the Guilford County Sheriff's Office, Greensboro Police Department, North Carolina A&T State University Police Department, Guilford Metro 911, Hillsboro Police Department, Yadkin County Sheriff's Office, Chatham County Sheriff's Office, King Police Department and the Forsyth Technical Community College Police Department. CIT in Guilford County is sponsored by Sandhills Center, NAMI-Guilford and Guilford Technical Community College. Lt. Demarr Inman of the Guilford County Sheriff's Office was the host officer. Additional CIT classes are planned for Guilford County in 2018. Photo credit: Heather Odendahl, Sandhills Center Communications Specialist

Guilford County CIT graduates -- February 2018

Moore County rounds out a successful year of CIT

The final Crisis Intervention Team training session of 2017 was held in Moore County from Oct. 30 through Nov. 3. Participants included 16 first responders from the Moore County Sheriff's Office, FirstHealth Security, and the Southern Pines, Aberdeen and Pinehurst police departments. A highlight of the training included hearing from a CIT graduate who had used skills learned in CIT to diffuse a crisis situation. CIT in Moore County is sponsored by Sandhills Center, NAMI-Moore County, the Moore County Sheriff's Office and Sandhills Community College. Lt. Bryan Monroe serves as host officer. This was the third CIT course that was held in Moore County during 2017. A total of 13 CIT training sessions were cosponsored by Sandhills Center this year. Planning is now underway for additional training throughout the nine-county Sandhills Center region in 2018. Photo credit: George Reynolds Jr., NAMI-Moore County
Moore County CIT graduates - November 2017

Guilford EMS personnel complete CIT training

Sandhills Center cosponsored CIT training for Emergency Medical Services personnel in Guilford County Oct. 16-19, 2017. Sixteen members of Guilford County EMS graduated from the 32-hour training. CIT in Guilford County is sponsored by Sandhills Center, NAMI-Guilford and Guilford Technical Community College. Chris Wilson, EMT-P, of Guilford County EMS, served as host officer. Photo credit: Heather Odendahl, Sandhills Center.

 
Guilford EMS CIT graduates -- October 2017

Guilford County is site for October CIT training

Sandhills Center cohosted Crisis Intervention (CIT) training in Guilford County Oct. 2-6, 2017, at Guilford Technical Community College. Lt. Demarr Inman served as the host officer. CIT is sponsored by Sandhills Center, NAMI-Guilford, Guilford Technical Community College and the Guilford County Sheriff's Office. Twenty first responders completed the course. Agencies represented included Guilford County Sheriff's Office, Guilford Metro 911, UNC Greensboro Police Department, High Point Police Department, King Police Department, Archdale Police Department, and the North Carolina Department of Public Safety-Probation and Parole. Photo credit: Heather Odendahl, Sandhills Center Communications Specialist

Guilford County CIT graduates - October 2017

Sandhills Center assists with EMToday CIT training for second year

Sandhills Center cosponsored CIT training with the NC Office of Emergency Medical Services and Forsyth EMS from Sept. 30 through Oct. 3, 2017. This 32-hour course was part of the Emergency Medicine Today 2017 annual statewide conference, held in Greensboro (Guilford County). Paramedics and firefighters from throughout North Carolina participated in the class. Cpt. Tara Tucker, of Forsyth EMS, served as host officer. This is the second year in a row that Sandhills Center has cosponsored this training. Photo credit: Heather Odendahl, Sandhills Center Communications Specialist.

 
EMToday CIT graduates -- October 2017

Lee County hosts CIT refresher course

Sandhills Center, in conjunction with the Sanford Police Department, piloted an eight-hour CIT refresher session. Five members of the Sanford Police Department graduated from the course, which was held during the week of Sept. 18, 2017. Lee County Health Department, Central Carolina Hospital and Central Carolina Community College coordinated the course with Sandhills Center. Sgt. Gregory Deck served as host officer. Photo credit: Heather Odendahl, Sandhills Center Communications Specialist

Lee County CIT Refresher Course graduates -- September/October 2017

Moore County CIT in August

Sandhills Center proudly cosponsored CIT training in Moore County the week of August 14. This is the second such training for law enforcement held at Sandhills Community College in Moore County during 2017. Participants represented multiple agencies including the Moore County Sheriff's Office, Moore County Schools, FirstHealth Security, Southern Pines Police Department and the Aberdeen Police Department. CIT is sponsored through a collaboration between Sandhills Center, NAMI-Moore, Sandhills Community College, FirstHealth and the Moore County Sheriff's Office. Lt. Shannon Garner and Lt. Bryan Monroe of the Moore County Sheriff's Office cohosted the class. Photo credit: Heather Odendahl, Sandhills Center Communications Specialist
Moore County CIT graduates -- August 2017

CIT held in Harnett County

Sandhills Center is proud to have cosponsored CIT training in Harnett County the week of June 12, 2017. Nineteen members of the Lee County Sheriff's Office and the Harnett County Sheriff's Office (including two telecommunicators) graduated from the 40-hour training. In addition to Sandhills Center, CIT in Harnett County was sponsored by NAMI Cumberland, Lee & Harnett, Central Carolina Community College, Good Hope Hospital, Harnett Health, and the Harnett County Sheriff's Office. Lt. Scott Jeffries of the Harnett County Sheriff's Office served as host officer. Photo credit: Heather Odendahl, Sandhills Center.

Harnett County CIT graduates -- June 2017

Eight earn CIT certification in Lee County

Sandhills Center cosponsored CIT training for eight members of several law enforcement agencies in Lee and surrounding counties May 15-19, 2017. The training was held at Central Carolina Community College in Sanford. Participants were telecommunicators, and officers and deputies representing the Lee County Sheriff's Department, Sanford Police Department and Harnett County Sheriff's Office. CIT in Lee County is coordinated by Sandhills Center, LeeCAN, CCCC and the Sanford Police Department. Sgt. Gregory Deck hosted the class. Photo credit: Heather Odendahl, Sandhills Center Communications Specialist.
Lee County CIT graduates -- May 2017

Richmond County hosts CIT

A 40-hour Crisis Intervention Team Training was held for 10 members of several law enforcement agencies during the week of May 1, 2017. The host officer was Lt. Clyde Smith of the Richmond County Sheriff's Office. Participants were from the Richmond County Sheriff s Office, Hamlet Police Department, Rockingham Police Department, and Richmond Community College Police Department. In Richmond County, CIT was cosponsored through a collaboration between Sandhills Center, National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI)- Moore County, Richmond Community College, Rockingham Police Department, Hamlet Police Department, and the Richmond County Sheriff's Office. Photo credit: George E. Reynolds Jr., NAMI-Moore County.
Richmond County CIT graduates -- May 2017

Guilford County hosts CIT training in April

Sandhills Center cosponsored CIT training in Guilford County for 19 members of several law enforcement agencies from April 24-28, 2017. The week-long class was held at Guilford Technical Community College (GTCC) in Jamestown. Participants represented the Guilford County Sheriff's Office, Guilford Metro 911, UNC-Greensboro Police 911 Center, High Point Police Department, Greensboro Police Department, and the Haw River Police Department. CIT in Guilford County is sponsored by Sandhills Center, NAMI-Guilford, GTCC and the Guilford County Sheriff's Office. The host officer for CIT in Guilford County is Lt. Demarr Inman of the Guilford County Sheriff's Office. Photo (below) by Heather Odendahl, Sandhills Center Communications Specialist.

 
Guilford County CIT graduates and sponsors -- April 2017

First-ever CIT class held in Anson County

Sandhills Center is proud to have cosponsored the first-ever CIT Training in Anson County. Eleven members of several law enforcement agencies in Anson and surrounding counties graduated from the training that was held April 3-7, 2017, at South Piedmont Community College (SPCC) in Wadesboro. Participants were officers and deputies representing the Anson County Sheriff s Office, Richmond County Sheriff s Office, Union County Sheriff s Office, Cabarrus County Sheriff s Office, Monroe Police Department, Anson County Magistrate s Office, and the Wadesboro Police Department. Anson County CIT is sponsored through a partnership between Sandhills Center, NAMI-Moore County, SPCC and the Wadesboro Police Department. Photo credit: George E. Reynolds Jr., NAMI-Moore County.

Sandhills Center cosponsors CIT Training in Moore County

Twenty-four members of several law enforcement and emergency services agencies participated in Crisis Intervention Team Training in Moore County. Cosponsored by Sandhills Center, the training was conducted from March 13-17, 2017, at Sandhills Community College in Moore County. Participants (both sworn officers and telecommunicators) were from the Moore County Sheriff's Office, as well as the Aberdeen, Whispering Pines, Pinehurst, Sanford and Sandhills Community College police departments. CIT in Moore County is sponsored through a collaboration between Sandhills Center, NAMI-Moore County, FirstHealth of the Carolinas, Sandhills Community College and the Moore County Sheriff's Office. Photo (below) courtesy of George Reynolds Jr., NAMI-Moore County.

Moore County CIT graduates and sponsors -- March 2017

CIT graduates 24 from throughout Guilford County

Sandhills Center cosponsored CIT training for 24 members of several law enforcement and emergency services agencies from Feb. 27 through March 3, 2017. The training was held at Guilford Technical Community College (GTCC) in Jamestown. Participants were sworn officers and telecommunicators representing the Guilford County Sheriff's Office, Guilford Metro 911, the UNC-Greensboro Police 911 Center, and the police departments of Greensboro, High Point and GTCC. CIT in Greensboro is sponsored through a collaboration between Sandhills Center, NAMI-Guilford, GTCC and the Guilford County Sheriff's Office. Photo credit: Heather Odendahl, Communications Specialist, Sandhills Center.

Guilford County CIT graduates -- Feb/March 2017

Guilford EMS completes CIT Training

Sandhills Center recently cosponsored CIT training for 14 members of the Guilford County EMS team. The intensive 32-hour training course took place Oct. 31 through Nov. 3. CIT training for EMS personnel is a four-day course, compared to the five day, 40-hour program that is required for law enforcement personnel. The EMS group was the 41st CIT class to graduate in the Sandhills Center region. We now have trained a total of 910 police officers, sheriff's deputies and first responders. Sandhills Center wishes to thank partners NAMI-Guilford, GTCC and the many volunteer instructors who continue to support this valuable effort. Photo credit: Heather Odendahl, Communications Specialist, Sandhills Center.

Guilford County EMS graduates -- November 2016

CIT growing in Sandhills Center region

Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training is growing exponentially in the Sandhills Center region. Sandhills Center recently cosponsored three weeks of CIT training within the nine-county catchment area, and more are planned in the very near future. In total since 2008, Sandhills Center has cosponsored 40 CIT classes, graduating 896 police officers, sheriff s deputies and other first-responders. The most recent class was cosponsored by Sandhills Center and was featured as part of EMToday, the North Carolina Office of Emergency Medical Services annual conference, held in Guilford County. Photo credits for Guilford County and EMToday: Heather Odendahl, Communications Specialist, Sandhills Center. Photo credit for Randolph County: Randolph Community College.

 
Guilford County CIT graduates -- September 2016  

Randolph County CIT graduates -- October 2016  

NC Office of EMS/EMToday CIT graduates -- October 2016

Lee County celebrates CIT grads

A CIT graduation celebration for 19 law enforcement personnel and first responders (pictured below) was held in Lee County on August 19, 2016. Guest speaker for the ceremony was Mr. Sam Gaskins, Mayor Pro-Tem for the City of Sanford. Many other local dignitaries and supporters attended. The graduates represented the following departments: Lee County Sheriff's Office, Sanford Police Department, Siler City Police Department (Chatham County) and Lee County EMS. Sandhills Center offers many thanks to host officer Sgt. Greg Deck of the Sanford Police Department for his guidance and leadership. We also wish to express our gratitude to the following community partners: LeeCAN Mental Health Partners, Lee County Public Health Department, Central Carolina Community College, the City of Sanford Police Department, Lee County Sheriff's Office, Broadway Police Department, Central Carolina Hospital, Lee Harnett Family Support, and NAMI of Cumberland, Harnett and Lee Counties. Photo credit: Heather Odendahl, Sandhills Center.

Lee County CIT graduates -- August 2016

June 20-24 Sandhills Center CIT Training in Guilford County

Sandhills Center hosted Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training from June 20-27 in Guilford County. There were 21 participants (see below) representing the Guilford County Sheriff s Office, Greensboro Police Department, UNCG Police Department, Guilford Technical Community College (GTCC) Police Department, Guilford County EMS and the Graham Police Department (Alamance County). Participants experienced site visits, role playing exercises and in-class lectures relating to appropriate handling of mental health crisis situations. Sandhills Center partners with the Guilford County Sheriff s Office, GTCC and NAMI-Guilford to provide this 40-hour training program. Photo credit: Heather Odendahl, Communications Specialist, Sandhills Center.
Guilford County CIT graduates -- June 2016

Sandhills CIT training March 7-11 in Guilford County

Sandhills Center held its 14th Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training in Guilford County the week of March 7, 2016. The 28 participants represented the Guilford County Sheriff's Office, Greensboro Police Department, High Point Police Department, GTCC Police Department, Guilford Metro 9-1-1, UNC-G Police Department and the Cabarrus County Sheriff's Office. As part of the week-long, 40-hour training program, site visits were hosted by Sanctuary House, Lifespan, Open Door Ministries and Caring Services. Professional instructors included representatives of the Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Abuse Services; Guilford County Magistrate's office, Daymark Recovery Services, Monarch, RHA Behavioral Health, Therapeutic Alternatives, the Kellin Foundation/Crisis Response Initiative, Caring Services, Cone Health, Youth Focus, Alzheimers NC, ACTS Ministry, High Point Police Department, Guilford County Sheriff's Office, NAMI-Guilford, and Sandhills Center. The CIT training courses held in Guilford County are a partnership between Guilford Technical Community College (GTCC), NAMI-Guilford and Sandhills Center. Pictured, above: Local police officers, along with Sandhills Center staff, participate in role-playing exercises to de-escalate crisis situations. Photo credits: Heather Odendahl, Sandhills Center Communications Specialist; and Arch Embler, Guilford County Sheriff's Office.

 CIT training held February 8-12 in Randolph County

Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training was held Feb 8-12, 2016, at Randolph Community College Foundation Center, sponsored by the Randolph County affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). There were six participants including one Randolph County Sheriff's officer, two Asheboro Police Department officers and three Randolph County Emergency Services 9-1-1 dispatchers. The host officer was MLT Maxine Wright, retired, who has volunteered her time with the CIT program since completing her CIT certification in 2008. Pictured above: CIT training officers and instructors at Randolph Community College. Photo, below, courtesy of Randolph Community College. 

Randolph CIT graduates - May 2016