Town Hall: Police, Cultural Awareness and Mental Health

Town Hall Details

Date: Thursday, Nov. 17
Time: 5:45 p.m. to 8:15 p.m.
Location: Dublin Community Recreation Center
Address: 5600 Post Road, Dublin
Registration: Register Now

(Dublin, Ohio) — Talking about mental health can be difficult, and stigma often surrounds dialogue regarding this important aspect of wellness.

The City of Dublin and Dublin Police have partnered with behavioral health group Syntero to present a community town hall that discusses mental health and cultural differences and how they can intersect with policing. The event focuses on how authentic connections from police can impact overall health and wellness of people from all cultural backgrounds, as well as what to expect when you interact with members of the police department.

Police aim to familiarize community members with available public safety services, so they are encouraged to seek appropriate support if a mental health crisis arises.

The police department would like to credit the Chief’s Advisory Committee members for their aspirations to create a town hall around these important wellness and public safety topics. CAC and Community Inclusion Advisory Committee members will be present to help facilitate the community question-and-answer session.

Discussion Topics

How different cultures perceive mental health
Ways to reduce stigma
How to help someone in a mental health crisis
How police respond to mental health crises
What to expect if you are experiencing a crisis
How to interact with police officers during traffic stops and other cultural considerations in policing
Local resources and programming sharing
Common calls for service related to mental health
What “common wellness language” means across cultures

This event is free and open to all. It is recommended that children under 18 years attend with a parent or guardian, as some content could be activating for younger audiences. An RSVP is encouraged but not required.

Agenda

5:45 to 6:15 — Meet and greet with resource fair vendors

6:15 to 6:20 — Welcome

6:20 to 6:50 — Syntero presentation “Wellness: The Importance of Connection and Community“

Courtney Dobson, LISW-S; Syntero Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Program Coordinator
Susan Ortega, LISW-S; Syntero Director of Strategic Partnerships and Initiatives-Franklin County

6:50 to 7: — Break

7 to 7:40 — Public safety presentations

“Until Help Arrives” — The Northwest Regional Emergency Communications Center (NRECC) shares what to do after you call 911
“Interacting with Your Dublin Police” — Learn how Dublin Police officers respond to mental health crises

7:40 to 8 — Breakout Q&A session with Dublin Police officers, Syntero representatives, Chief’s Advisory Committee and Community Inclusion Advisory Committee members

8 to 8:15 — Full group Q&A to report back from breakout session; closing

Public Safety in Dublin

The Dublin Police Department is dedicated to protection, service and public safety in partnership with the community. Learn more at YourDublinPolice.org.

Media Contact:
Rebecca Myers
Public Information Officer
614.381.5225 – Cell
rrmyers@dublin.oh.us
Newsroom: https://dublinohiousa.gov/newsroom/