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'Problem is much deeper': Police rush to Greenland home for mental health call, roads closed

Foster's Daily Democrat - 12/5/2021

Dec. 5—GREENLAND — The town's police chief is calling attention to an increase in mental health calls following an incident that drew a large police response with weapons drawn to a home on Portsmouth Avenue late Saturday morning.

The Seacoast Emergency Response Team, which is the region's SWAT team, and multiple agencies were deployed to a residence due to a "person in crisis," according to Police Chief Tara Laurent.

The roadway in Greenland near where Route 33 connects with Route 151 was closed and traffic diverted for several hours as the incident unfolded. Laurent did not say if a weapon was involved in the incident at the home and called it a mental health issue, providing few details.

"There is no threat to the community," Laurent said in a written response to questions.

"We have been seeing an increase in crisis/mental health calls over the last couple of years," Laurent said, citing the time period of the coronavirus pandemic.

"While I'm sure COVID might have been the cause for some (fear, isolation, loss of loved ones, loss of job, financial woes, etc.), I think the problem is much deeper and multi-faceted," she wrote. "There are resources available to help, but many people don't know how to access them and feel helpless. As police, we're not experts in mental health, but we certainly want everyone to be safe and can help guide people."

Laurent said she sees the role of police is to assure people are connected with the resources they need in these situations.

Laurent said, "We utilized assistance from the following police agencies to ensure the person's safety: Stratham, Rye, Newington, North Hampton, Portsmouth (New Hampshire State Police) and the Seacoast Emergency Response Team."

Suicide Lifeline — If you or someone you know may be struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can call the U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) any time of day or night or chat online at suicidepreventionlifeline.org.

Crisis Text Line — Free, 24/7, confidential support via text message to people in crisis when they dial 741741.

Seacoast Mental Health Center — Call (603) 431-6703.

National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) New Hampshire — Call (603) 225-5359.

NAMI Maine — Call (800) 464-5767.

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