How COMPASS aligns with the mission of the Office of Community Mental Health Initiatives

Lorena Mitchell describes the Office of Community Mental Health Initiatives’ mission to improve the conditions in New Haven so residents can live with meaning, joy, and strong mental health. She explains their strategy spans a full spectrum of services: preventing mental illness and substance use disorders, and promoting mental wellness for people of all ages. At the same time, she notes that mental health crises still occur, which is where COMPASS plays a key role—ensuring the right trained responders can support people at the right time. She also highlights her office’s work providing mental health trainings across community settings (such as schools, workplaces, faith organizations, libraries, and food pantries), where people frequently ask how to respond to crises. These trainings help community members recognize signs and respond confidently, while emphasizing that New Haven has a dedicated crisis team—so residents and staff don’t have to handle crises alone.