We are proud to collaborate with the Community Counseling Center (CCC) to provide the Co-Responder Unit (CRU). The CRU has Dr. Shannon Farris, Clinical Psychologist; Rachel Alcantara, Social Worker; and Corporal Will Rogers. One of the main goals of CRU is to divert community members from unnecessary emergency room visits and jail. CRU is able to do this by triaging the behavioral health situation, connecting community members to the next best service, and following up within 48 hours with any additional support or services needed. This service decreases the backlog in emergency rooms or jail, and reduces repeat calls for service for our law enforcement officers. Additionally, Co-Responders conduct outreach and follow-up calls to individuals who had police contact as a result of behavioral health crisis, with the intention of getting the individual the help they need. We have seen tremendous progress since the initiation of this program in February - both within our agency and within our community.

If you or someone you know is in a behavior health crisis, or needing resources to learn more about behavioral health conditions, here are some helpful resources:

* Crisis Lifeline: Call or Text 988 *
Community Counseling Center: 573-334-1100

In the City of Cape Girardeau, for non-emergency situations you may call the police station at 573-335-6621, Option 5 for the CRU.

Do you know someone who might benefit from CRU services? Complete the referral form below.

CRU Contact


Security Measure
Lifeline 988
The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, and prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones.