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   NAMI Minnesota (the National Alliance on Mental Illness) is reminding residents in the Walker area and throughout Cass County that help is available 24/7 for mental health crises through their local Mobile Crisis Response Team at 218-828-HELP (4357) or 800-462-5525.

   Every Minnesota county and four tribal communities have Mobile Crisis Response Teams that provide direct, in-person assistance to people experiencing a mental health crisis — whether at home, in school, at work, or elsewhere in the community. These teams, staffed by licensed mental health professionals, help de-escalate situations, create safety plans, and connect individuals to ongoing support. Yet many Minnesotans remain unaware of this vital resource.

   “We’ve fought hard to build this system,” said Marcus Schmit, Executive Director of NAMI Minnesota. “When someone experiences a mental health crisis, getting the right help at the right time can make all the difference. Minnesota’s Mobile Crisis Response Teams provide in-person support with no out-of-pocket costs, offering professional care when it’s needed most. If you or someone you love is in crisis, call your local Mobile Crisis Team instead of 911 whenever possible. These teams are trained to respond with care.”

Mobile Crisis Response Teams can bill insurance, but they cannot deny services based on ability to pay. All services are confidential and HIPAA-protected. The fastest way to reach help in the Walker and Cass County area is by calling 218-828-HELP (4357) or 800-462-5525 directly. Crisis numbers for every Minnesota county can also be found at JustCallMN.com.

   NAMI Minnesota encourages parents, caregivers, teachers, and community members to save the Walker–Cass County Mobile Crisis Response Team numbers — 218-828-HELP (4357) and 800-462-5525 — in their phone contacts. “Knowing who to call before a crisis happens is one of the best ways to stay safe,” added Schmit. “We want every Minnesotan to know that professional, compassionate help is available — anytime, anywhere.”

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