KENTUCKY — Public safety, health department and community partners in McCreary, Kentucky, now have essential deflection skills following a training program led by Operation 2 Save Lives (O2SL) and QRT National.
The Deflection Academy took place from April 10-11. Deflection is an upstream preventative approach to substance use and mental health that offers pathways for a community-based response to occur before an event such as an overdose, arrest or mental health crisis. Primary instructors included Mike Botieri and Dan Meloy of O2SL & QRT National, and Nan Franks, a Behavioral Health Professional specializing in addiction and mental health concerns.
The KY Opioid Abatement Funds funded the two-day training, which had 15 attendees. Those who participated in the training included agencies working in law enforcement, peer recovery, behavioral health, religious affiliates, mental health and governmental agencies.
O2SL & QRT National’s Deflection Academy stands out for its comprehensive overview of nationally recognized deflection pathways. It uniquely focuses on engaging public safety in collaboration with public health and community-based team members, making it a valuable resource for professionals in the field.
The training also addresses other community needs, such as mental health disorders, drug-endangered children, the impacts of trauma, family support initiatives and more.
The O2SL & QRT National Deflection Academy course is also co-certified for Continuous Education Units (CEUs) for police officers and licensed behavioral health professionals.
“The Deflection Academy training program is a transformative step for professionals in our industry. By focusing on the principles of deflection and alternative responses, we’re equipping teams with the skills and knowledge to handle complex situations with empathy and effectiveness,” National Vice President of Business Development Mike Botieri said. “This training enhances our commitment to community safety and aligns with our broader mission of building stronger, more resilient communities.”
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