Riley County Mental Health expands mobile crisis teams and launches jail‑liaison efforts

Riley County Mental Health told the Board of County Commissioners on Feb. 23 that it has expanded its mobile crisis response and is establishing correctional health collaborations to keep people connected to care.

Michael Scalpani, speaking as a representative of Riley County Mental Health’s community mental health center, said the agency expanded mobile crisis coverage effective Jan. 1, 2026, moving toward 24/7 response. He said the mobile crisis teams—previously five teams—responded to more than 120 requests for mobile crisis response between October and December 2025 and achieved an 84% diversion rate, meaning callers did not end up in emergency rooms or hospitalized in those interactions.

Scalpani described a new jail‑liaison position that helps with discharge planning and continuity of medications and care; he said the position comes at no cost to the jails. He added that the center has finalized agreements with three county jails to coordinate care and provide case management, therapy and medical services while people remain in custody, with the aim of smoothing transitions on release.

Scalpani also outlined community engagement and fundraising efforts: the center’s "New Day at Pawnee" outreach and the annual Pancakes for Pawnee fundraiser on Feb. 17, which fulfilled more than 365 meals and raised close to $16,000.

Commissioners asked if anyone had questions and did not press for additional action; staff and commissioners expressed appreciation for the update.