Summit County Sheriff’s Office Honored with National Award for Exceptional Mental Health Crisis Response Team

The Summit County Sheriff’s Office’s mental health response program recently received a prestigious award from CommonSpirit Health. This program, known as the SMART team, has made a significant difference in the community.

At the award ceremony on August 19, Trixie Vanderschaaff, president of St. Anthony Summit Hospital, highlighted the importance of compassion and equity in healthcare. “These awards recognize organizations that are deeply committed to enhancing the health and well-being of their communities,” she said.

The SMART program consists of a deputy, a behavioral health specialist, and a case manager. Together, they respond to various mental health emergencies, from suicide threats to welfare checks. Their goal is to stabilize individuals and de-escalate tense situations effectively.

Sheriff Jaime FitzSimons explained that this initiative began following community conversations during a mental health crisis in 2016. At that time, local health centers often directed individuals in crisis to emergency rooms, which were not equipped to address their needs. FitzSimons reflected, “We were dropping people off at the hospital, seeing the sad faces of doctors and nurses who felt unprepared.” This realization fueled the need for a more effective approach.

In 2016, the emergency department experienced a surge of behavioral health cases, overwhelming its capacity. Vanderschaaff noted that many of these individuals didn’t actually require emergency care, but there were limited alternatives within the community.

To tackle this issue, FitzSimons researched best practices and potential funding sources for a mental health response team. With the support of CommonSpirit and other community partners, the SMART program was born. “The team does amazing work,” he said.

According to Andrew Gaasch, president of CommonSpirit’s mountain region, the SMART program diverted 87% of its clients from emergency rooms in 2024. “We aim to provide care in environments where individuals feel safe,” he explained. He added that working closely with high-risk substance use disorder patients and local schools has helped create effective behavioral health responses.

The commitment of the SMART team highlights the need for health equity in mental health services. Gaasch described health justice as “not just about equitable care, but a framework for achieving social justice in health.” Such dedicated efforts are essential for preserving dignity during crises.

Vanderschaaff mentioned that nominations for the awards are submitted by hospital staff, yet winners are chosen at a national level, showcasing the exceptional nature of the SMART program amid stiff competition.

This initiative is an important step towards addressing mental health needs in a timely and compassionate manner, redefining how communities can support their most vulnerable members. As conversations around mental health continue to evolve, programs like SMART set a precedent for how police and healthcare can work together effectively.

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