Coordinated Mental Health Efforts Continuing in St. Louis Area; Multi-Agency Resilience Coalition Has Worked Since August to Help

Press Release

The Missouri Resilience Coalition, a group of public and private sector mental health care advocates in the St. Louis area, is continuing to provide mental health support and services to children, families and residents of Ferguson and the surrounding areas. Gov. Jay Nixon said mental health professionals from Coalition members are in place, and additional mental health professionals are on standby to provide support to individuals who have experienced trauma or may need emotional help.

"As we continue to address the many challenges raised by events in Ferguson, it's important to note that the past several months have taken an emotional toll as well," said Gov. Nixon. "That is why we took action, working with local providers and advocates, to help meet the mental and emotional needs of people in the region. I greatly appreciate Dr. Schafer, Laurent Javois and the team at the Department of Mental Health for helping to lead this effort, and all the dedicated health professionals who are working around the clock to help the people of St. Louis heal and thrive."

The Coalition, which includes behavioral health, social services and related organizations, is also working closely with the faith community, and mental health professionals will be stationed at various churches throughout the area. Individuals seeking help can talk personally and confidentially to staff with the skills to listen, calm, provide words of encouragement, and engage people in conversation.

Staff will also refer individuals to appropriate sources if longer term assistance is needed. The Access Crisis Intervention (ACI) number (800-811-4760) is available 24 hours a day to help individuals in crisis.

The Resilience Coalition, led by Laurent Javois from the Department of Mental Health (DMH), was established in mid-August by the Missouri Department of Mental Health, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, and the Department of Social Services. Its mission is to work with St. Louis area faith and community leaders to assist families and schools in teaching resilience and promoting emotional wellbeing.

On Aug. 21, Gov. Nixon spoke to a training hosted by DESE, DMH and DSS titled "Supporting Our Children: Resilience in a Time of Crisis" for 220 North County and City teachers, administrators and staff at Harris Stowe State University. The training provided district staff with materials and information on how to identify signs of trauma, and how best to work with students as they process recent events. The group also learned how to identify children that may need more extensive assistance and support from mental health professionals.

In addition to the state agencies, including the Office of Community Engagement, members of the Resilience Coalition include: Allies in Healthcare, BJC Behavioral Health, Behavioral Health Network, Behavioral Health Response, Bridges to Care & Recovery, Children's Advocacy Services of Greater St. Louis, Crider Center, Great Circle, Harris Stowe State University, Hopewell, Metropolitan Police Department-North Patrol Division, Missouri Coalition of Community Behavioral Healthcare, Missouri Foundation for Health, National Council for Alcohol and Drug Abuse, Places for People, Preferred Family Healthcare, Regional Chamber of Commerce, St. Louis County Children's Service Fund, St. Louis Department of Human Services, St. Louis Initiative to Reduce Violence (SIRV), St. Louis Mental Health Board, Saint Louis University, University of Missouri-St. Louis, United Way and Washington University.

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