“I would like to recognize Deputies Toby Collins, Nancy Henshaw, Keri Welch, Joseph Carver, Travis Steyskal and Nathan Shultz, Clinicians Maria Foster, Krislyn Hyatt and Stuart Stoltzfus, Medic Martin Ripalda, and Case Managers Debbie Howard and Johanna Rutschow.
The Mental Health Unit is an integral part of the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office, having the distinct purpose of assisting Road Patrol by addressing mental health and recovery issues throughout the community. In a few short years, the members of this unit have transformed our mental health efforts into a full-on powerhouse. These members have gone above and beyond to ensure Charlotte County citizens receive the best care and assistance possible. Between the senior case manager and the IRIS Team, a quality and efficient service has been brought to our community to address the mental health crisis needs.
These members have come together to build a strong foundation for our mental health efforts. They employ dedication, resilience, empathy, compassion, and a can-do attitude every day. They have helped thousands of individuals and their families that are struggling with mental health and/or substance abuse. These team members sit and listen, sometimes for hours, to people who have nowhere else to turn. People who have at times given up on life or feel that their life has no value. The team has forged positive relationships not only with those struggling but also with their family members and many entities around the county.
Our team members have gone out of their way and sought out resources that can help by providing services to the community. They have visited, connected, and learned about these places so they are better informed about their abilities, costs and capacity. They use this knowledge to educate the public and connect them with the correct resource. Did you know there is a horse ranch locally that treats mental health patients? Or that there is an adult daytime day care for patients struggling with cognitive degeneration? Or that there are independent living recovery homes for those overcoming drug and alcohol addiction? These are a few examples of things we learned thanks to our team’s proactive efforts.
Debbie Howard helped an elderly woman that moved to Florida with a family friend. She was suffering from onset of dementia, walking off alone and facing eviction. Debbie sprang into action and collaborated with the team. Relatives for the woman were located up north, who had no idea what was going on with the woman. Debbie was able to get the family back in contact. She then helped make plans to fly the woman back to her family. Without Debbie’s intervention it’s hard to say what may have become of the woman but now we know she is safely back with her family.
The IRIS Team was called to a situation where a woman and her adult daughter both suffered from mental health issues. The calls to their residence were frequent and exhausting. The IRIS Team worked with the family for over a year trying to help get them to a stable lifestyle. Thanks to their efforts, CCSO no longer needs to respond to an ongoing barrage of phone calls to this residence. Both the mother and daughter are receiving the care and attention they need and are very thankful for the IRIS Team.
The Mental Health Unit is also very involved in community outreach. Members attend public events to greet and inform the public. They provide speaking engagements at public and private venues upon request. Last year, the unit learned of a former Charlotte County citizen who had moved out of town after Hurricane Ian. He lost his 3-wheel bicycle which was his source of exercise and transportation and helped him cope with his mental illness. The team donated their own money to purchase a brand new 3-wheel bicycle and had it delivered. The man and his mother were overcome with joy and thanked the team for the gift.
These are a few examples of the hard work and dedication exhibited by the Mental Health Unit. They have taken this new program and successfully integrated it into the community. They are requested by name now after only a few short years in service. I am so proud of the hard work and effort these members give. They love their jobs, and it shows in their work. Because of their professionalism and dedication, they have received many thank you cards, pictures. and emails from the community. I am honored to work alongside them.”
Sgt. Craig Brandon, Mental Health Unit Commander
Not available at time of photo shoot: Krislyn Hyatt (CBHC, above), Nancy Henshaw, and Keri Welch (both CCSO)
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Charlotte County Sheriff Bill Prummell launched the IRIS (Integrated Response for Intervention and Support) team in October 2021 to combat the increasing calls for mental health services. His vision was to create a specialized team that consisted of a deputy, mental health counselor, and medic riding together to respond to these specific and unique calls for service. To learn more about IRIS, visit: IRIS – Integrated Response for Intervention and Support | Charlotte Behavioral (cbhcfl.org) Always dial 911 in an emergency.
“Mental health calls for service are some of the most challenging and unpredictable calls. The IRIS Team have established themselves within our community as being effective and professional, earning the trust of not only the individuals in need, but also of the people around them. This has resulted in a better support system around people in need of services and a more open communication with our agency. I echo Sgt. Brandon’s sentiments and I applaud the incredible work this unit does each and every day.”
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