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City Hires Behavioral Health Specialist
Last month, the city hired Glen Suchanek as its first behavioral health specialist. This new, full-time position is dedicated to working with community members experiencing crisis, and connecting them with local and regional resources.
“Over the past three years, Milwaukie has seen an increased number of individuals struggling with mental health issues,” said Ann Ober, city manager. “We see the results of these struggles in our police calls, interactions in the community and home lives. Recognizing the changing dynamics within our community, staff worked diligently this year to find tools and systems to help the city better support community members in these more trying times. This position is a key component to our community’s support system.”
City staff identified barriers to existing resources as one of the significant factors impacting Milwaukie’s ability to help those in crisis. The behavioral health specialist will work full-time to build relationships with those experiencing crisis, and help them both find and navigate the process to access regional resources.
Suchanek has a master’s degree in social work, along with a Clinical Social Work Associate (CSWA) license and a qualified mental health professional (QMHP) license. He is also a Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor (CADC 3) and Certified Recovery Mentor (CRM 2). Suchanek also comes from a life of lived experience in mental health, addiction, houselessness and incarceration.
Suchanek has worked closely with local law enforcement for the past several years supporting the Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) program, which provides service in Milwaukie. The goal of LEAD is to obtain better outcomes while trying to reduce unnecessary arrests and incarcerations. The behavioral health specialist position will be housed at the Public Safety Building (3200 SE Harrison St.) to continue working closely with law enforcement staff.
For more information about the behavioral health specialist position, contact Luke Strait, police chief, at straitl@milwaukieoregon.gov or 503.786.7416.
