The Lake Mary Police Department is proud to announce the launch of a one of a kind public/private partnership that truly reimagines how law enforcement officers help persons suffering from mental illness.

On October 19, 2020, Chief Michael L. Biles approved the development of a mental health cooperative. This cooperative directly addresses mental health services, in a pre-crisis and post-crisis framework of care.

As a result of this initiative, the Mental Health Intervention Group was developed. The MHIG is a 501c3 non-profit organization with tremendous grassroots support from local healthcare systems, businesses, faith-based organizations, and other non-profit groups. The MHIG is designed to provide a broad range of mental health services while striving to prevent avoidable tragedies, ultimately reducing police interactions, and minimizing emergency room traffic.

The MHIG gives officers in the field resources that they would not have even imagined a year ago. By providing professional mental health counselors, medications, and ancillary services at the individual’s residence, we strive to break down barriers by providing treatment to those in need of mental health and social services.

The Lake Mary Police Department is excited to lead the way by providing a greater degree of support to our citizens. If you have questions or need more information, please contact Ofc. Zach Hudson, at 352-250-6444 or zhudson@lakemaryfl.com.