Veterans response team (vrt) announces graduation of inaugural crit training class | va birmingham health care | veterans affairs

The Birmingham VA Health Care System (Birmingham VA) is pleased to announce the graduation of its first Crisis Response and Intervention Training (CRIT) class on Friday, February 16th, 2024,

at the Birmingham VA East Clinic in Irondale. This week-long, collaborative program equips first responders and community partners with the tools and resources needed to effectively assist

Veterans in a mental health or behavioral health crisis situation. The Birmingham VA Veterans Response Team (VRT) recognized the need for stronger collaboration between first responders and

VA resources to better serve Veterans in crisis. With the support of community partners, including local law enforcement and city officials, the VRT hosted the inaugural CRIT training to

bridge this gap. Led by experienced VA professionals and local partners, the program fosters collaboration and understanding between diverse participants, including law enforcement officers,

mental health professionals, and community advocates. "The VRT plays a vital role in connecting Veterans in crisis with the services and support they need," said Dr. Ladi Kukoyi,

Executive Director. "This training strengthens our network of community partners, ensuring all first responders are equipped to de-escalate situations and connect Veterans with

appropriate care." The CRIT program provided participants with in-depth training on a range of topics, including Behavioral Health and Mental Illness, Intellectual and Developmental

Disabilities, Psychosis Disorders, Legal Issues, Substance Use Disorders, and Suicide Prevention, among others.  Of his participation this week, Brad Flynn, Chief of Police at Helena, AL

said that he was “excited to be invited by the Birmingham office of the Veterans Administration to participate in their mental health/crisis response training program for their federal

police officers and staff from all over the country. Great to see them placing such a high priority on such an important topic.” Brad Flynn on LinkedIn: Was excited to be invited by the

Birmingham office of the Veterans… This class included 14 participants, comprising of law enforcement officers from St. Clair County and officers from the VA Charleston and Central Alabama

Health Care Systems and the VA's mental health department. The Birmingham VA Health Care System intends to offer four other courses during 2024. Recently, the VRT presented to the

Birmingham City Council at the request of the Jefferson County Commissioner. Jefferson County is now encouraging City Councils from Bessemer, Hoover, Vestavia, and Homewood to integrate VRT

and CRIT into their emergency response protocols. The graduation ceremony is Friday, February 16th, and will celebrate the accomplishments of the first CRIT class participants. This

milestone signifies a critical step forward in Birmingham's efforts to strengthen its support network for Veterans and ensure their well-being. Veterans and their families seeking more

information on the VRT and/or CRIT training can visit: https://www.va.gov/birmingham-health-care/programs/veterans-response-team/

https://www.va.gov/birmingham-health-care/stories/vrt-community-crisis-response-support/