Chelan County gains grant to strengthen crisis response and community safety

Chelan County Sheriff's Behavioral Health Unit outreach case manager Courtney Beutler, left, Sheriff's Deputy Zach Brunner, outreach case manager Erika Hamilton, program manager Ana Johnson and outreach case manager Jose Hernandez.

The Chelan County Sheriff’s Office Behavioral Health Unit (BHU) has secured $54 million in external grant funding to enhance crisis response services, training, and operational readiness without utilizing county funds.

Sheriff's Operations Chief Ryan Moody said in a news release that, "This milestone is a direct result of the continued leadership and initiative of Behavioral Health Unit Supervisor Ana Talley, whose dedication to identifying and securing outside funding has sustained and strengthened the program."

The grant will fund advanced training through nationally and internationally recognized conferences focused on crisis intervention, de-escalation, suicide prevention, and responder wellness, while also supporting critical upgrades to technology, communication systems, safety equipment, and mobile workspaces.

Additional investments include lifesaving tools for response vehicles and community care kits for individuals experiencing homelessness, addressing immediate needs while building trust and facilitating connections to long-term services.

Together, the news release stated, these efforts enhance coordination between behavioral health professionals and law enforcement, reduce strain on emergency systems, and improve outcomes for individuals in crisis underscoring the agency’s mission to maximize resources in delivering compassionate, professional, and effective public safety services.