TP46 - Bridging Justice and Health Care: A CCBHC and Legal Aid Partnership

Tuesday, May 6, 2025

1:15 PM – 1:45 PM ET

Location: Hall BCD

This presentation will discuss a CCBHC and Legal Aid partnership which is striving to create a more compassionate, evidence-based approach within the justice system. Attendees will learn how this collaboration provides courts with tools and resources to implement harm reduction principles, reduce recidivism, and improve public health outcomes. The session will also address the challenges of shifting court systems toward a harm reduction model and strategies for successful implementation.

Learning Objectives:

Understanding the challenge of shifting the court system from a punitive approach to a harm reduction approach.
Identifying tools and resources that could help bring this partnership to your community.
Implementing harm reduction trainings within the legal system, and understanding why a harm reduction approach is helpful in the courts.

Poster Presenter(s)

Meredith L. Surdel, LMHC-DP

Director of Clinical Services
Mid-Erie Mental Health Services, Inc. dba Endeavor Health Services
Buffalo, New York
Rebekka J. Lipp, LMHC

Director of Clinical Services
Mid-Erie Mental Health Services, Inc. dba Endeavor Health Services
Buffalo, New York