Community Support Program
The CSU Community Support Program pairs behavior health professionals with CSU Police Department officers to respond to specific calls that indicate behavioral or mental health crisis support is needed. This is a one-year pilot program beginning fall 2022.
This partnership addresses situations that might otherwise have been handled through the criminal justice system or in an emergency room, and it supports law enforcement by offering specialized services that help to prevent dangerous situations for the community and connect individuals who need support with university or community services.
The program is a partnership among CSU Police Department, CSU’s Health Network (which provides mental health support for students), and UCHealth’s co-responder program – which began partnering with Fort Collins Police Services in 2018.
About the Community Support Program
- Connects students, employees and guests with care and support during a crisis, and plan of care following the crisis
- Diverts and redirects individuals from emergency rooms or the traditional criminal justice system, when appropriate
- Increases safety of all individuals on scene and the safety of those helping to address mental health concerns across the university
- Helps connect students, faculty, staff and visitors to follow up care available through CSU and the community
- Creates police and mental health collaboration with a focus on community need and partnerships
Meet the CSU co-responder
Francesca joined the CSU Community Support Team in May 2022. She obtained a Bachelor’s degree in psychology from University of Kentucky and Master’s degree in social work from Arizona State University. She is a licensed clinical social worker with a background primarily in medical social work. She has hospital and community-based experience and has supported individuals with a wide variety of physical and mental health conditions.
Francesca enjoys working together with the Colorado State University Police Department to increase mental health support that is available to University students and community members.
Need help now?
If you or someone else needs immediate help now, please call or text 9-1-1. Tell the emergency dispatcher that there is a mental wellness concern. CSUPD dispatch can also be reached by calling its 24/7 non-emergency number at 970-491-6425.
If a CSU co-responder is not available, CSUPD officers receive specialized training to help them assist someone in a mental health crisis.
Please reference the flowsheet below to see what resources we offer and who can help provide the best service to you.
Additional behavioral and mental health resources for students, faculty and staff
Colorado State University offers behavioral and mental health resources specifically for students and for faculty and staff. A list of many of those resources is available on the Mental Health and Counseling Services page.
The Red Folder, a resource for employees, also contains helpful information about resources and tips for helping someone who is struggling.