Important Information for those with a loved one in a mental health crisis.
Protect Yourself.
If your loved one threatens to harm him/herself or you, or to damage property, you must do whatever is necessary to protect yourself and others. You may need to leave and call for help. If possible, remove objects that could be used to cause harm. If you feel police assistance is needed call 911 and always request a Crisis Intervention Trained Officer. (Source: Centre for Addiction and Mental Health)
Mental Illness and Arrest in Pinellas County
While a loved one is incarcerated, be sure to advise the jail medical staff that a defendant is suffering from a mental disorder or any other medical condition as well as the medications prescribed. Call (727) 453-7117 or go to the Pinellas County Jail and ask for the nurse supervisor.
When the crisis has passed, contact the NAMI Pinellas Helpline at (727) 791-3434
Mental Health Resources in Pinellas County
You may also seek help through the PEMS (Personal Enrichment Through Mental Health Services)
- 24-hour Mental Health Assistance: 727-541-4628
- 24-hour Suicide Hotline: 727-791-3131
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273 8255
Action Plus Bail Bonds has been providing bail bonds and post bond services and support in Clearwater, St. Pete, and throughout Pinellas & Pasco County for over 27 years. Contact Us for more information.
According to an analysis by the Pinellas County Data Collaborative and Policy and Services Research Data Center at USF, “The percentage of those found to have a severe mental health diagnosis and/or substance abuse diagnosis ranged from 5% to 9% over time.
It is important to note here that the identification of any diagnosis was done through matching across the Medicaid System and the IDS System (State mental health and substance abuse data system). These reported numbers are expected to be an underestimate as this process does not allow for identification of any individual who does not interact with either of these systems.”
Source: https://www.pinellascounty.org/justice/pdf/CJISfinalpresentation%202007.pdf
Jailing People with Mental Illness
According to NAMI, in a mental health crisis people are more likely to encounter police than get medical help. As a result, 2 million people with mental illness are booked into jails each year. Nearly 15% of men and 30% of women booked into jails have a serious mental health condition.
A GUIDE TO MENTAL ILLNESS AND THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM
This Guide to Mental Illness and the Criminal Justice System is intended to be useful when persons with mental illness – or their families – are confronted with the criminal justice system.
