Public Health Committee

The Public Health Committee assists in the work of the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council

Overview

Vision

A local criminal justice system where public health providers and criminal justice professionals work together and across systems to improve the lives of individuals with mental and substance use disorders, their family members’ lives, and their communities. 

Mission

The mission of the City of St. Louis Criminal Justice Coordinating Council Behavioral Health Committee is to improve how local justice systems respond to and interact with individuals whose interactions with justice systems are driven by unmet public health needs. Through the identification of gaps, needs, and opportunities for appropriate diversion, the Committee seeks to help improve justice system outcomes, better coordinate resources fairly and equitably, and improve public safety, public health, and individual health outcomes through the use of data driven and evidence-informed practices. 

Committee Chair and Vice Chairs

Serena Muhammad, Chair

Dale Glass, Vice-Chair

Craig Schmid, Vice-Chair

Meetings Schedule and Materials

This committee meets the third Thursday of each month from 2:00-4:00pm.

CJCC Public Health Committee Meeting January 21, 2021
CJCC Public Health Committee November 19, 2020 Meeting Agenda
CJCC Public Health Committee October 22, 2020 Meeting Agenda
CJCC Public Health Committee November 21st,  2019 Meeting Agenda
CJCC Public Health Committee April 18th, 2019 Meeting Agenda

Current Objectives

  • Map the local criminal justice system to identify gaps and build an action plan using the SAMSHA GAINS Sequential Intercept Model (SIM).
  • Develop research objectives and sustainability efforts focused on how to bestserve justiceinvolved individuals atless cost without increased risk to public safety by addressing the risk-relevant needs and improving their opportunities for recovery.
  • With a focus on SIM 0 and SIM I, develop research objectives and sustainability efforts aimed at reducing the unnecessary use of first responders, 911 service calls for behavioral health crisis needs as well as at reducing the likelihood of unintentional criminalization, i.e., jail.
  • Serve as the “multidisciplinary” oversight committee for the Justice and Public Health Information Sharing Initiative funded by the Department of Justice.
  • Host a Public Forum to engage and educate the community about the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (planned for late August, first of September).
  • Sustainability to continue the work.

Anticipated Benefits

  • Data-driven decision-making and best practices in the local criminal justice system.
  • To prevent individuals from entering or penetrating deeper into the criminal justice system.
  • Systemic solutions rather than fragmented and often conflicting solutions.
  • Improved efficiency and delivery of higher quality services.
  • Increased costs-saving and greater return on investment.
  • Public safety is enhanced by prioritizing limited resources.
  • Better relationship between criminal justice system and public.
  • Improved public health, racial and health equity, and reduction of disparities.

Values and Guiding Principles

  • Reduce victimization and enhance public safety through reduced recidivism, more informed decisions, and access to appropriate services through a continuity of care among justice, human services, and health services.
  • Encourage the spirit of teamwork: “everyone needs to contribute and willing to share and work together.”
  • Collaborate to solve problems; maintain openness and flexibility.
  • Respect the independence and interrelationships among members and agencies.
  • Focus on a fair and equitable system that helps to meet health and social determinants of health needs. 

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