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NEDHSA and Growing Hope Launch a Transformative Mobile Crisis Partnership in Northeast Louisiana

The Northeast Delta Human Services Authority (NEDHSA), alongside Growing Hope Recovery, has announced a significant initiative aimed at improving behavioral health services in Northeast Louisiana. On July 9, 2026, the two organizations launched the Region 8 Mobile Crisis Partnership, which marks the creation of the area's first fully integrated regional mobile crisis system. This groundbreaking partnership aims to offer a much-needed community-based response to mental health and substance use crises across the twelve parishes of Northeast Louisiana.

A New Approach to Behavioral Health Crises

This initiative is established through a Memorandum of Understanding between NEDHSA and Growing Hope, laying the groundwork for a coordinated crisis response network. The partnership is poised to establish a model that could be replicated in other parts of Louisiana. NEDHSA will take the lead in providing executive oversight, ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations, and managing strategic planning and quality assurance for the new system. In turn, Growing Hope will operationalize this initiative by deploying trained Mobile Crisis Response Teams.

Dr. Monteic A. Sizer, the Executive Director of NEDHSA, expressed the importance of this collaboration, stating, "This is more than a partnership; it is the creation of an entirely new behavioral health infrastructure for Northeast Louisiana." He emphasized that the new system represents a pivotal shift in addressing behavioral health crises. Instead of relying heavily on emergency services and law enforcement, individuals in crisis will now have access to timely, compassionate care from dedicated crisis professionals.

Commitment to Compassionate Care

Cecilia Sullivan, founder of Growing Hope Recovery, shared her vision for the partnership, saying, "This partnership reflects a shared commitment to ensuring that individuals and families across Northeast Louisiana have timely access to compassionate, high-quality behavioral health and crisis services." She emphasized the importance of collaboration in recovery, highlighting how this new system will empower communities by meeting people where they are and responding to their most urgent needs.

The Region 8 Mobile Crisis Partnership aligns with Louisiana's broader efforts to revamp crisis response services. By creating a regional infrastructure, the partnership intends to dispatch trained crisis responders directly into communities whenever an in-person response is required. This collaboration will include coordination with insurance companies, hospitals, law enforcement, emergency medical services, and other behavioral health providers, ensuring that those experiencing a crisis receive appropriate and timely care.

Looking Toward the Future

Dr. Sizer elaborated on the projected impact of this initiative, stating, "The Region 8 Mobile Crisis Partnership is not just an operational advancement; it is a bold step toward a brighter future for behavioral health in Northeast Louisiana." He envisages a scenario where close collaboration between various stakeholders will improve outcomes for families in crisis.

This initiative is particularly crucial as it addresses the mental health landscape across Caldwell, East Carroll, Franklin, Jackson, Lincoln, Madison, Morehouse, Ouachita, Richland, Tensas, Union, and West Carroll Parishes.

The launch of the Region 8 Mobile Crisis Partnership marks a significant milestone in NEDHSA's strategy to develop a comprehensive behavioral health system. The organization has already made strides in integrated healthcare, opioid response initiatives, and recovery support services, and this partnership enhances those efforts by providing a structured response to crises. In essence, it ensures that when individuals are in distress, there is a support system ready to address their needs directly and compassionately.

About NEDHSA and Growing Hope

NEDHSA serves as Louisiana's local governing body for behavioral health and developmental disability services, encompassing twelve parishes. Their mission focuses on improving health outcomes through various initiatives including prevention, treatment, crisis services, and community partnerships. On the other hand, Growing Hope Recovery works to empower those affected by substance use disorders, promoting hope and long-term recovery through comprehensive support services. Together, they aim to foster a transformative health environment for everyone in Northeast Louisiana.