Edwardsville’s public safety facility. File photo

The Edwardsville Police Department will soon be able to bring a social worker to those in crisis.

During the Aug. 5 Edwardsville city council meeting, alderman unanimously approved a resolution 7-0 that authorizes the police department to enter into an agreement with Chestnut Health Systems.

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“This puts a social worker at the police department one day a week for a year,” Edwardsville Major/Deputy Chief Michael Lybarger said during the Public Service Committee meeting on July 29. “During that time, a social worker will ride with the officer, who will be able to point out people in the community who need help.”

The social worker will be able to take recommendations, and police officers can also point out individuals who may be in need of help. They will not be first responders and will only arrive on scene once it is secured.

Lybarger believes this will be an efficient way to help the social worker meet an individual in need and help connect them with help with primary care, substance use and mental health treatment.

“Most of the time when we did with people in crisis, they don’t want the services and don’t even want the police,” Lybarger said. “We will be able to target those people when they aren’t in crisis now. I think this will be beneficial for the city.”

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The individuals in need are not just the homeless, according to Lybarger.

The cost of the agreement will be paid for by the Edwardsville Police Department.

In November 2024, the Madison County Transit announced a partnership with Chestnut Health Systems that began Dec. 1.

According to the announcement, Chestnut deployed behavioral health teams at MCT transfer stations, on MCT buses, and on MCT Trails throughout Madison County.

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Edwardsville Alderman SJ Morrison, who is the MCT managing director, spoke highly of the agreement during the Public Service meeting.

“I’m a big supporter of this,” Morrison said. “I’ve seen this work really well at Madison County Transit. This has even helped individuals get into rehabilitation facilities. I’m really pleased with this.”

Chestnut Health Systems is a not-for-profit organization that has cared since 1973 for the most vulnerable in our communities. Chestnut provides substance use prevention, treatment, and recovery; mental health treatment; primary care; dental care; and housing and supportive services. It is also a leader in behavioral health-related research through its Lighthouse Institute.