New brain health pilot program has a successful first year

Bloomington Police accept a Regional Leaders and Innovators Award from the Minneapolis Regional Chamber

Since its launch in 2023 by the Bloomington Police Department in collaboration with Bloomington Public Health, the Bloomington Community Brain Health Services (BCBHS) program has been on a mission to serve Bloomington residents who are in crisis and post-crisis.

During a crisis, BCBHS arranges for immediate care such as appropriate emergency medical care (transport) and referrals to Hennepin County social workers. Then, as an extension of the BPD’s crisis response model, BCBHS follows up with post-crisis stabilization through immediate access to mental health treatment services at no cost. BCBHS therapy services are provided by two full-time therapists and interns completing their graduate degrees in mental health. Interns
are supervised by the two licensed therapists on staff.

To date, the program has served approximately 20 individuals and families, and more than 40 referrals have continued with mental health treatment. More than 130 therapy sessions have been completed by clients ranging from eight to 90 years of age, with the average age of 30 years old.

“We are very pleased with the success of the program,” said Therapist Janet Yeats. “Its success has been measured by the number of individuals and families the program has served and the outpouring of support and interest. Community engagement has far surpassed our expectations and instilled significant hope for the future of this program.”

For more information about this groundbreaking program, which was recognized in fall 2024 with a Regional Leaders and Innovators Award from the Minneapolis Regional Chamber, contact BCBHS Therapist Luke Campbell at 952-563-8671 or lcampbell@BloomingtonMN.gov.