Westchester Reporter

Westchester County Executive George Latimer and the Project Alliance Program were honored with the Community Partner Award at the annual Guidance Center of Westchester Gala. The Guidance Center of Westchester is known for its significant contributions to those grappling with mental illness, substance abuse, poverty, and homelessness.

Latimer was accompanied by Department of Community Mental Health (DCMH) Commissioner Michael Orth, Deputy Commissioner Joseph Glazer, and other DCMH staff members who are instrumental in supporting the Project Alliance program. Acknowledging their crucial role in initiating the program, Latimer invited the DCMH team present at the event to share in receiving the award.

“I am honored to accept this recognition, but it is the hard work of our DCMH team working together with the Guidance Center that make Project Alliance a true success story," said Latimer. "It has been wonderful to see this program come to fruition from its early days as a recommendation from the Police Reform & Reimagining Task Force, to a program that is truly serving the needs of residents struggling with behavioral and mental health challenges. Because of all of you, the people who participate have been given new opportunities to better their lives.”

Under Latimer’s leadership, Project Alliance was established as a comprehensive approach to address behavioral health challenges faced by Westchester County residents. The initiative includes five key strategies.

Since its inception, Westchester County has provided substantial funding for Project Alliance, including establishing a 24/7 hotline for direct service to residents. In 2023 alone, this enhanced Behavioral Health Crisis Line received 8,115 calls without requiring police or first responder intervention for individuals with mental health needs.

In addition to this hotline service, 172 new recruits and experienced law enforcement officers received enhanced training in 2023. This training aimed at equipping them with new awareness and tools for understanding individuals experiencing psychiatric crises or substance misuse issues. It also covered recognizing and supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, older populations, as well as children and youth in crisis.

Furthermore, the Mobile Crisis Response Team (MCRT) responded to 2,488 calls in 2023. An additional 9,054 follow-ups were completed to ensure symptom reduction and coordination of service.