Henderson's Mobile Crisis Intervention Team Supports AB 380 for Behavioral Health Responses
May 16, 2025 | 2025 Legislature NV, Nevada
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The recent Senate Committee on Health and Human Services meeting highlighted significant discussions surrounding Assembly Bill 380, which aims to enhance crisis response services in Nevada. The bill has garnered strong support from various stakeholders, including mental health professionals and emergency responders, who emphasize the need for a more effective approach to handling behavioral health crises.
Ryan Beeman, representing Nevada's professional firefighters, expressed his support for the bill, underscoring the importance of directing the right resources to the right calls. Similarly, Lindsay Knox from REMSA echoed these sentiments, reinforcing the collective push for improved crisis intervention.
A key testimony came from Lisa Kelso of the City of Henderson's mobile crisis intervention team. She detailed the city's initiative, which began in 2022, to provide immediate support for individuals experiencing behavioral health crises. Kelso highlighted the team's collaboration with police and medical providers, advocating for a response led by licensed mental health professionals. She noted that AB 380 would allow cities the flexibility to tailor their crisis intervention teams to meet local needs, ultimately aiming to reduce reliance on emergency rooms and the criminal justice system.
Catherine Nielsen, a community member, shared a personal account of how crisis intervention teams have positively impacted her family, further emphasizing the bill's potential benefits for residents in distress.
The meeting also addressed concerns regarding funding and operational definitions for crisis response teams. Helen Foley from T-Mobile clarified that the bill would not impose additional taxes on telecommunications services, alleviating fears about increased costs for residents.
As the committee concluded the hearing, the overwhelming support for AB 380 signals a commitment to improving mental health crisis responses in Nevada. The next steps will involve further discussions and potential amendments to ensure the bill effectively meets the needs of the community. This initiative reflects a growing recognition of the importance of mental health services and the need for a coordinated response to crises, ultimately aiming to enhance the well-being of Nevadans.
Ryan Beeman, representing Nevada's professional firefighters, expressed his support for the bill, underscoring the importance of directing the right resources to the right calls. Similarly, Lindsay Knox from REMSA echoed these sentiments, reinforcing the collective push for improved crisis intervention.
A key testimony came from Lisa Kelso of the City of Henderson's mobile crisis intervention team. She detailed the city's initiative, which began in 2022, to provide immediate support for individuals experiencing behavioral health crises. Kelso highlighted the team's collaboration with police and medical providers, advocating for a response led by licensed mental health professionals. She noted that AB 380 would allow cities the flexibility to tailor their crisis intervention teams to meet local needs, ultimately aiming to reduce reliance on emergency rooms and the criminal justice system.
Catherine Nielsen, a community member, shared a personal account of how crisis intervention teams have positively impacted her family, further emphasizing the bill's potential benefits for residents in distress.
The meeting also addressed concerns regarding funding and operational definitions for crisis response teams. Helen Foley from T-Mobile clarified that the bill would not impose additional taxes on telecommunications services, alleviating fears about increased costs for residents.
As the committee concluded the hearing, the overwhelming support for AB 380 signals a commitment to improving mental health crisis responses in Nevada. The next steps will involve further discussions and potential amendments to ensure the bill effectively meets the needs of the community. This initiative reflects a growing recognition of the importance of mental health services and the need for a coordinated response to crises, ultimately aiming to enhance the well-being of Nevadans.
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