10/28/2026
This program is such a huge benefit to Cerro Gordo County residents! I would love to see every county in Iowa having access to a Crisis Response team.
When individuals are in a crisis either due to mental health or substance use, having someone that is trained, open minded, patient, understanding, and willing to listen is what they need. Law Enforcement is busy with so many other types of calls that they don't always have the time to sit with an individual as long as needed. Additionally, sometimes the uniform can trigger individuals and make them hesitant to call in or open up. This program is a win in so many ways!
CERRO GORDO COUNTY CRISIS RESPONSE TEAM EXPANDS HOURS — BUT WHAT HAPPENS WHEN GRANT FUNDING RUNS OUT?
**A program that handled 353 crisis calls during its first year is expanding services throughout Cerro Gordo County. The goal is around-the-clock coverage, seven days a week, as additional staff are hired.**
North Iowa Free Press recently reported on the Community Crisis Response Team (CCRT), which provides assistance to residents experiencing mental health and substance use emergencies.
Following that report, North Iowa Free Press reached out to learn why the program was expanding, how residents could access assistance, and what the future holds for its funding.
**John Derryberry, Executive Director of 43 North Iowa**, provided detailed answers and the program's first-year statistics.
Derryberry emphasized that the program is a collaborative effort involving 43 North Iowa, Prairie Ridge, Cerro Gordo County Dispatch, law enforcement, emergency medical services and other community partners.
The goal is to match people experiencing emergencies with professionals trained to address their needs while reducing demands on traditional first responders.
**WHY IS THE PROGRAM EXPANDING?**
The program launched in October 2025 and expanded into Clear Lake in February 2026.
In October 2026, the team expanded to 24-hour coverage three days per week.
**Derryberry confirmed that the program currently operates 24 hours a day, three days a week, with plans to gradually expand to 24 hours a day, seven days a week as additional employees are hired.**
The program serves all of Cerro Gordo County, including rural areas, during its operating hours.
Derryberry said around-the-clock coverage was always the goal.
During its first year, the team handled 353 calls for service. Another 173 calls occurred outside the program's operating hours, demonstrating opportunities for additional crisis response coverage.
**WHAT DID THE FIRST YEAR SHOW?**
According to the program's first-year report:
- 264 individual clients received services.
- 353 calls for service were handled.
- 76% of CCRT calls were accepted by clients.
- 53% of calls were stabilized at the scene.
- 165 referrals were made to mental or behavioral health services.
- 237 calls involved assistance to law enforcement and/or emergency medical services.
- The average response time to arrive on scene was 14 minutes.
- Team members spent an average of 59 minutes at the scene.
**HOW CAN RESIDENTS REQUEST HELP?**
Residents experiencing or reporting an emergency should call **911** and explain the situation.
Dispatchers determine the appropriate response, which may involve police, fire, emergency medical services or the Community Crisis Response Team.
Law enforcement responds first to ensure a scene is safe before crisis response personnel arrive.
The crisis team then works with individuals to stabilize the situation and connect them with appropriate services and resources.
**There is no charge to residents for the service.**
**WHO OPERATES THE PROGRAM?**
43 North Iowa and Prairie Ridge collaborate on daily operations in partnership with Cerro Gordo County Dispatch.
Team members receive 60 hours of crisis stabilization training when hired, followed by 30 hours annually. Training in administering Narcan is also planned.
Derryberry stressed that the team helps both residents and emergency responders by allowing trained crisis professionals to provide additional support while other first responders return to their duties when appropriate.
**WHO IS PAYING FOR THE EXPANSION?**
Expanded coverage is funded through an Iowa Department of Health and Human Services grant.
Derryberry said the grant-funded program could last two years, leaving questions about how the service will be supported beyond that period.
He hopes the program eventually receives ongoing state funding.
**"MEETING PEOPLE WHERE THEY ARE AT"**
Derryberry described the program's importance this way:
"Meeting people where they are at is such an important practice in the world of social services, this program is the exact definition of meeting people where they are at, because now we can meet anyone, anywhere in our county and offer fast support during a mental health and or substance abuse crisis and offer real solutions to help, including just being someone who sits with them for a while."
**WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?**
The immediate priority is hiring enough additional staff to expand the existing three days of 24-hour coverage toward seven days a week.
No completion date has been announced.
Long-term funding also remains an important question as the program grows.
For Cerro Gordo County residents, the message is simple: Emergency help is available, and mental health and substance use crises deserve an appropriate response.
**When emergency assistance is needed, call 911 and explain the situation to the dispatcher.**
North Iowa Free Press thanks John Derryberry and the participating agencies for providing information about the program and its expansion.
*North Iowa Free Press | Community Health & Public Safety*
