Deflection Academy Training Has Immediate Impact in Clifton, NJ

O2SL and QRT National was spotlighted in Clifton Merchant Magazine for the delivery of the Deflection Academy Training provided to members of the Clifton Health Department, Clifton Community Policing, and Passaic County Department of Human Services on July 25th and 26th at the local recreation center. The 2-Day training has been designed to inform and educate public safety, outreach team members, partners, and leaders on the field of Deflection and pre-arrest diversion. It offers attendees an overview of nationally recognized Deflection pathways while focusing on engaging public safety in collaboration with their public health and community-based team members. These Deflection models are operating within communities all across the United States and now in Clifton, New Jersey. The attendees noted the valuable knowledge gained from the training, but the roleplay exercises were particularly powerful and left them feeling better equipped to handle situations on outreach calls. Only two weeks after receiving the training, a team of two trainees, a police officer, and a community engagement specialist found themselves calling upon their newly acquired skills to respond to a behavioral health emergency where the “situational awareness skills” they learned became crucial to de-escalating the situation. As the landscape continues to evolve to better meet the needs of those suffering from Substance Use Disorder and the families impacted, communities such as Clifton feel the Deflection Academy training is “a worthwhile supplement” that will “resonate” with those in public safety and public health serving a community struggling with addiction. Most meaningful is the “follow-up” where trust is built and connections are made not just with the individual but the family; this is where the change happens and O2SL and QRT National are grateful to be part of the effort.