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ICRA's Co-Responder Coffee Breaks are monthly sessions sharing knowledge amongst ICRA members. The sessions host presentations, expert panels, and group conversations for members to learn, observe model programs, and share lessons learned with one another. Each month will provide a new format or topic for members to engage with. Co-Responder Coffee Breaks featuring expert panels and presentations are archived and available to view on demand in the member area of our website. If you have a topic or presentation you would like to see covered at the next coffee break, email icra@coresponderalliance.org. |
December 2025 |
| 12/10/2025 - 1 PM EST / 12 PM CST Conversation Amongst Peers We’re covering two topics during this month’s Co-Responder Coffee Break which is a conversation amongst peers. The first, “Keeping Spirits Bright,” will cover ways to support good morale and self care, especially during the holiday season. The second, Peer Support for Co-Responders, will cover ways to provide peer support for co-responders and crisis clinicians. Please come ready to discuss the ways you handle these topics, or what you’re looking to learn from your peers! Presenters: Deputy Zach Zepeski, CO and Sergeant Robert Cook, CO |
November 2025
| 11/19/2025 - 12 PM EST / 11 AM CST Co-Response Research: Outcomes and Evidence Join us for a conversation amongst peers to discuss all things related to co-response research. We’ll cover research basics and the current state of co-response research – including gaps in research and opportunities for all of us to play a part. Remember, research can equal funding! Come prepared to discuss your experience and/or questions. Presenters: Sarah Abbott Ph.D. LSW, MA; Jennifer Howes, MD; Justin Lemery, OK |
October 2025
 | 10/29/2025 - 12 PM EST / 11 AM CST Strengthening Community Services: A Synergistic Approach to Legal-Social Work Collaboration This month's session focuses on the importance of lasting partnerships between the public and the legal system. As the responsibilities of law enforcement and the justice system expand, it is crucial to prioritize ongoing education, career development, and comprehensive training programs to effectively address today’s challenges. During this session, you'll learn how to foster successful collaboration among public safety agencies, the justice system, and social work professionals – with an emphasis on how social work can be woven into the legal system. Presenters: Professors Dr. Rosemary Alamo and Dr. Rick Ornelas |
September 2025
| 9/17/2025 - 1 PM EST / 12 PM CST Co-Response in Rural, Frontier, and Suburban Areas During this conversation amongst peers, we'll explore how to maximize limited resources, overcome access barriers, and share real-world strategies between departments to strengthen crisis response across diverse communities. Please come prepared to share your successes and challenges. Presenters: Annie Burwell - Round Rock Texas Fire Department; ICRA Board Member Jason Winsky - Tucson Police Department; ICRA Board Member |
August 2025
| 8/19/2025 - 2 PM EST / 1 PM CST The Secure and Protect Initiative: Approaching Suicide Prevention with Gun Owners The Secure and Protect Initiative (SPI) is a nationwide community-centered approach to reducing firearm-related suicide, the leading cause of suicide deaths. This webinar will highlight how Johnson County Mental Health Center, in partnership with Veteran’s Affairs, has launched SPI to reduce stigma, promote responsible firearm ownership, and increase mental health awareness, specifically within the gun-owning community. |
July 2025
| 7/17/2025 - 1 PM EST / 12 PM CST Community Partners Improving Co-Response Join us for this month’s Co-Responder Coffee Break, where we’ll dive into the vital role of community partners in making co-response work more impactful! From homeless shelters and food banks to clothing closets, medical clinics, therapy animals, and substance abuse support groups, we’ll explore how these collaborations amplify our efforts. Come share your experiences, exchange ideas, and connect with fellow professionals passionate about building stronger support networks. Don’t miss this engaging virtual discussion! |
June 2025
| 6/10/2025 - 12 PM EST / 11 AM CST Peer-Focused Jail Reduction Strategies In Pima County, AZ – home to Tucson – Justice Service Navigators are a critical part of jail reduction efforts. These navigators have personal experiences similar to those they’re trying to help. They meet with people at a Transition Center to hear their needs and connect them to resources. Join Tucson Police Sergeant Jason Winsky and Pima County Justice Services leaders Mayra Ramos and Doyle Morrison to learn exactly who they’re helping, hear their strategies, and exchange your ideas. |
May 2025
| Team Safety: A Shared Responsibility Tuesday, May 20, 1pm EST / 12pm CST In co-response and crisis response, everyone plays a vital role in team safety. This month's conversation amongst peers will explore safety considerations, protocols, and training. Please come prepared to discuss the gaps you're seeing or the questions you have. We'll leverage our collective strength to learn from each other. |
April 2025
| Working with Adult Protective Services Thursday, April 17, 2pm EST / 1pm CST Co-responder teams regularly respond to calls involving older adults in a behavioral health crisis and turn to adult protective services (APS) for assistance, with varying degrees of success. Similarly, APS turns to behavioral health for assistance with meeting client needs. In this Coffee Break, you will learn from an expert about what APS is, its limitations, and how to build relationships. Come prepared to ask questions you have about APS and elder abuse generally. |
March 2025
| The Co-Response Lane: Navigating Expectations and Setting Scope Wednesday, March 19, 1pm EST / 12pm CST
External organizations like schools, colleges, healthcare facilities, and even strong neighborhood and community groups often have expectations of what a co-responder can or should provide. In this conversation amongst peers, we’ll discuss the importance of building relationships with these stakeholders to navigate their expectations and communicate scope of service for co-responders. |
February 2025
| Co-Responder Training: Adapting the FTO Program for Clinicians Tuesday, February 18, 1pm EST / 12pm CST
Whether you have one co-responder or 20, quality training is essential to creating and maintaining a successful program. Johnson County (KS) Mental Health Center’s Co-Responder Supervisors, Jen Melby and Morgan Knight, will share how they have adapted the original co-responder training processes to mirror a Field Training Officer (FTO) program. |
January 2025
| Building Up Buy-In Thursday, January 9, 2pm EST / 1pm CST
Have you ever had trouble rallying buy-in for your co-response program – especially among first responders who may not be familiar with this work? In this conversation amongst peers, you'll have a chance to share how you've earned buy-in. Whether you're a co-responder or a first responder, there's room for all of you to share what you think paves the way for strong internal program support. |
