East Central Crisis Services (ECCS) has reported a 400% increase in mental health referrals from the Isanti County Sheriff’s Office as well as Isanti County 911 dispatch. This significant rise is attributed in part to the implementation of the Travis Law, a Minnesota statute that requires law enforcement to involve mental health crisis teams when responding to individuals experiencing a mental health emergency.
This strengthened partnership between Isanti County law enforcement and ECCS ensures that more individuals in crisis are connected to timely, compassionate care. ECCS clinicians are dispatched from Canvas Health’s North Branch clinic, which also provides clinical mental health services to the community.
ECCS serves residents of Chisago, Isanti, Pine, Kanabec, and Mille Lacs counties, as well as members of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe. Services include 24/7 mobile crisis response, emergency intervention, stabilization, and referrals to ongoing support—regardless of age, background, or ability to pay.
“Mobile Crisis Services are tailored to help meet people where they are both physically and emotionally in moments of crisis,” said Kelsey Yale, MSW, LICSW, Manager of Mobile Crisis Services at Canvas Health.
The Isanti County Sheriff’s Department has partnered with Brianne McClellan, East Central Coordinator for the Minnesota Suicide Prevention Regional Coordination, to make mental health resources more accessible in the community. A QR code linking to local support services is now featured on county squad cars, offering a discreet and immediate way for individuals to find help.
“As law enforcement, we often encounter people in their most vulnerable moments,” said Wayne Seiberlich, Isanti County Sheriff. “The Travis Law has helped us respond more effectively by connecting individuals to trained mental health professionals. Our partnership with East Central Crisis Services is saving lives, and the QR code initiative is another step toward making help more accessible.”
The QR code magnets are now in circulation across the county, and ECCS encourages community members to use them to access support.
To access services and mobile crisis numbers in Minnesota, visit www.Crisis.org or call the East Central Crisis Services number at 1-800-523-3333.
