Sheriffs’ Community Outreach Program: Reducing the Criminality of Behavioral Health

By utilizing Community Outreach Coordinators embedded within the rural Sheriffs’ Offices in the Florida Panhandle, Northwest Florida (NWF) Health Network has been able to assist in diverting those with behavioral health needs away from the criminal justice system. By linking the community to resources, behavioral health needs are being met at earlier intercept points. This results in the reduction of the criminality of behavioral health issues.