(WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- A mental health outreach effort led by some north suburban law enforcement departments is marking a major milestone.
It's called COAST-the crisis outreach and support team. The Lake County sheriff's department kicked off the effort in 2018, but since then - numerous police departments and social service agencies have signed on.
Lake County sheriff's department deputy chief Chris Covelli said a mental health professional accompanies law enforcement on calls where a person might be experiencing a mental health crisis.
"It allows the team to go in and spend as much time as necessary on that situation and the first responders can continue responding to emergency calls for services."
Covelli said 5,000 people have been referred to COAST since its formation five years ago.
Listen to our new podcast Looped In: Chicago
Listen to WBBM Newsradio now on Audacy!
Sign up and follow WBBM Newsradio
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram





