By Ana Gomez

In the heart of Montezuma County, a dedicated team of professionals is changing how behavioral health crises are addressed. The Community Intervention Program (CIP), launched in 2022, has quickly become an essential component of the county's emergency response system, working alongside law enforcement and EMS to provide immediate behavioral health support during crisis situations.聽

The CIP team is led by Charlee Sharp, a Certified Addiction Specialist and the program's Behavioral Health Provider. Born and raised in Montezuma County, Sharp brings both professional expertise and deep community connections to her role. "I have a deep understanding of our community which makes me want to do anything I can to improve the health of this area," she explains.聽

Working alongside Sharp are Peer Support Specialist Dante Downey and EMTs Quinn Deffenbaugh and Brant Kreun. Each team member brings unique strengths to the program.聽Downey's lived experience with substance use and mental health enables him to connect with people in crisis on a personal level. Deffenbaugh, who has been with the program since its launch, is known for his calm presence and situational awareness. Kreun's positive attitude and familiarity with the district through his years with Cortez Fire Protection District round out the team.聽

The CIP's primary mission is to provide immediate behavioral health support and resources directly at the scene of emergencies. Through de-escalation techniques, behavioral health evaluations, and rapid introduction of necessary resources, the team intervenes in mental health and substance use crises to facilitate positive outcomes.聽

"Every situation is different," the team notes. "Providing effective care requires situational understanding and an expectation to rapidly change tactics as the patient's presentation and needs evolve. However, every situation requires empathy, teamwork, and effective information and history gathering."聽

This approach has proven successful in diverting individuals from unnecessary hospitalizations or interactions with the criminal justice system. Instead, CIP connects people in crisis with appropriate community resources and follows up to ensure they receive the support they need.聽

One of the program's success stories involves an individual experiencing homelessness and substance use issues who was frequently utilizing emergency services. After building rapport through several interactions, CIP helped the person secure placement in a long-term treatment facility. The team coordinated detox services and transportation to the facility, and they continue to receive positive updates from the client who is now working and housed.聽

The program's impact extends beyond individual interventions. CIP has successfully integrated with local emergency services, becoming an invaluable resource for law enforcement agencies dealing with mental health and addiction-related calls. By assuming patient care when appropriate, CIP frees up other emergency responders for additional calls while providing specialized care.聽

CIP's key priorities include demonstrating their value to the broader Montezuma County community and focusing on team well-being. "The role is taxing, and we are often exposed to traumas," the team acknowledges. They describe themselves as a "family," communicating frequently about cases and providing support for each other. "We all know that we are not alone and can rely on each other for any kind of support that is needed," Sharp explains. Their supervisors conduct weekly check-ins to discuss cases and provide overall support.聽

As the Community Intervention Program continues to evolve, its impact on Montezuma County's approach to behavioral health crises grows. By providing compassionate, specialized care at the moment of crisis and connecting individuals with ongoing support, CIP is helping to create a healthier community for current and future generations.聽

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