Simply Healthcare, Carelon Behavioral Health and Florida Sheriffs Association Proudly Expand Crisis Intervention Team Training Academy
MARCH 27, 2024
Training Coordinators after Graduating from the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT)
Training Academy
Tallahassee, FL – Simply Healthcare Plans (Simply Healthcare) and the Florida Sheriffs Association (FSA), in collaboration with Carelon Behavioral Health, are proud to expand the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Training Coordinator Academy to teach select law enforcement professionals across Florida communities to train deputies to effectively support individuals experiencing a mental health crisis.
"Simply Healthcare is honored to partner with the Florida Sheriffs Association and Carelon Behavioral Health to equip law enforcement to safely interact with individuals in mental health or substance use crises,” said Dana Gryniuk, President of Simply Healthcare Plans. “By empowering law enforcement with the effective tools and training this program offers, we can connect Floridians with compassionate care during their greatest times of need."
Twenty-eight dedicated individuals participated in the in-person CIT training through this collaborative initiative, which was hosted at FSA’s headquarters in Tallahassee recently. This instruction delivers essential training to both sworn and civilian employees, equipping them with skills and resources to organize, plan and host 40-hour CIT training classes in their local communities.
"We recognize how vitally important it is to equip deputies with effective skills to address mental health and substance use crises in every Florida community," said FSA President and Nassau County Sheriff Bill Leeper. “Simply Healthcare and Carelon Behavioral Health are graciously supporting our efforts to build safer, more resilient communities where Floridians can receive the support and care they deserve.”
“Through the Florida Sheriff Association’s CIT Training Coordinator Academy, law enforcement deputies are prepared to recognize and respond to complex behavioral health crises,” said Glenn MacFarlane, President and Chief Executive Officer of Carelon Behavioral Health. “Carelon Behavioral Health is dedicated to working alongside the Florida Sheriffs Association and Simply Healthcare to promote safety and well-being across communities in the Sunshine State.”
Trainees Listen Attentively During the Three-Day Crisis Intervention Team (CIT)
Training Academy
Trainee Practicing the Presentation of Materials During the CIT Training Academy
A proven law enforcement response program, CIT emphasizes collaboration between law enforcement, mental health professionals, advocacy groups, and individuals with mental health concerns and their families. Simply Healthcare, FSA and Carelon Behavioral Health aim to enhance crisis response efforts statewide.
Looking ahead, FSA is gearing up to host a second CIT Training Coordinator Academy in late Spring to further expand the reach of this important training initiative.
To learn more the Florida Sheriffs Association’s Crisis Intervention Team Training, visit www.flsheriffs.org.
About Simply Healthcare Plans:
Simply Healthcare Plans, Inc. (Simply), is a Florida managed health care plan that serves Medicare Advantage and Medicaid members in the state of Florida. In addition, Simply, through a line of business called Clear Health Alliance, also serves Florida Medicaid members who are living with HIV/AIDS. Our goal is to provide healthcare and related services that are comprehensive, integrated and patient-centered. Each and every day, members of our team can be found in Florida communities, listening to our members, interacting with our health care providers and partnering with community-based organizations. Our goal is to ensure members and entire communities are empowered to become active participants in their health care and sustain healthy lifestyles. To learn more about Simply, visit www.simplyhealthcareplans.com.
About Florida Sheriffs Association:
The Florida Sheriffs Association is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 corporation made up of the Sheriffs of Florida, approximately 3,000 business leaders and 100,000 citizens throughout the state. Founded in 1893, FSA has steadfastly served the citizens of Florida by supporting the needs of the state's law enforcement community. Through the Florida Sheriffs Association, Sheriffs are given a forum to address lawmakers to push for positive changes in Florida’s public safety arena. FSA also provides Sheriffs' Offices much-needed programs such as affordable training, special task forces and legislative and legal services. Dedicated to the prevention of juvenile delinquency and the development of lawful, productive citizens, FSA has established and funded the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches with facilities throughout the state to help restore hope, fulfill dreams, and prepare boys and girls for the future. It has grown to be one of the largest and most successful state law enforcement associations in the nation. For more information on the Florida Sheriffs Association, visit www.flsheriffs.org.
About Carelon Behavioral Health:
The name “Carelon” is derived from the word “care” and suffix “-lon,” which means full and complete. Together, these words form Carelon and reinforce our commitment to provide complete care. Carelon was formed in 2022, but our portfolio of businesses has collectively delivered high-impact results for over 150 years. With capabilities spanning pharmacy, behavioral health, complex care delivery, medical benefits management, payment integrity, palliative care, advocacy, research, digital platforms, and operations and technology services, we are already a leader in the healthcare services space.