The Fourth 9-1-1 Option: Mental Health Services

Colleen McCollough is a Program Manager at Integral Care. She manages clinicians within the 911 call center, a first-in-class and nationally-recognized project that integrates mental health clinicians within the local emergency response system (i.e., 9-1-1). This project ensures that individuals in acute mental health crisis have access to the right care at the right time. Colleen completed her Master’s in Social Work at the University of Texas at Austin in 2009. For more than 10 years prior to her work at Integral Care, Colleen provided direct mental health care to consumers in crisis in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Colleen specializes in severe mental illness, and suicide prevention and intervention. Colleen is currently a member of Integral Care’s Zero Suicide Institute committee.

Ken Murphy is a Lieutenant with the Austin Police Department and has served as the Emergency Communications Division Director for the last 5 years.  He leads a team of over 200 Telecommunicators and support staff including administrative assistants, a training team, and IT Support Analysts.  Ken has over 30 years of Law Enforcement experience and has worked in various positions including serving as an Executive Lieutenant to the Office of the Chief, a Watch Commander, and a detective.  He has also served on the SWAT Team and was a firearms instructor.  Prior to beginning his career in law enforcement, Ken served in the United States Air Force. He has received advanced training in numerous aspects of policing.  Ken attended the West Point Leadership Academy and has completed the Center Manager Certification Program for Emergency Communications Centers, becoming one of just over 2,300 people to complete that course in the world.

B.J. Wagner, MS, joined the Meadows Institute in the fall of 2015. In her current role, B.J. works to expand the Institute’s efforts in health and public safety, managing multifaceted law enforcement and first responder projects focused on mental health emergency response, first responder health and wellness, and more. B.J. possesses a unique blend of first-hand law enforcement experience and deep knowledge of police policy and operating procedures, program evaluation, and technical advising. She has developed curriculum for disciplines across the criminal justice system on mental health awareness, symptom recognition, and verbal de-escalation techniques. Her work has led to the creation of national and international award-winning programs.