The nonprofit Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) has teamed up with the City and County of Denver, Colorado to provide specialized training on psychedelic crisis assessment and intervention to the city’s first responders. This groundbreaking initiative comes in the wake of the decriminalization of psilocybin mushrooms in Denver, following the passage of Ordinance 301 in May 2019.
The Psychedelic Crisis Assessment and Intervention training program was developed in collaboration with the Denver Psilocybin Mushroom Policy Review Panel (DPMPRP). Kevin Matthews, former president of the panel and Denver native, lauded the training as a significant step forward for public health and safety in relation to psilocybin and natural medicines. He emphasized the importance of integrating emerging psychedelic policies into existing infrastructures for the benefit of the community.
Sara Gael, former MAPS harm reduction officer, highlighted the program’s focus on equipping first responders with the knowledge and skills necessary to handle psychedelic-related crises in a safe and compassionate manner. She believes that this training will ultimately contribute to improving the overall health and well-being of the community.
The Denver Harm Reduction training initiative has received positive feedback from city leadership, with Gael commending Denver for its progressive and visionary approach to decriminalization and harm reduction efforts. The program is seen as a model for other cities looking to implement similar policies.
The training program developed by MAPS aims to enhance the abilities of first responders to recognize and respond effectively to emotional and behavioral crisis incidents involving psychedelics. It also seeks to improve responder safety, reduce risk, and promote harm reduction and education around the use of psychedelics.
The curriculum, developed over three years by a team of over 20 professionals with diverse backgrounds, covers a range of topics including the history and effects of psilocybin ingestion, legal considerations, crisis response protocols, and best practices for managing psychedelic crises. The training is specifically designed for law enforcement, mental health, and emergency medical service personnel.
It is important to note that while the safety and efficacy of psychedelic-assisted therapies are still being researched, none have been approved by regulatory bodies. Each individual may respond differently to therapies, and all treatments, even in clinical settings, carry potential risks.
Overall, the partnership between MAPS and the City of Denver represents a significant step towards integrating psychedelic policies into public health and safety initiatives. By equipping first responders with the necessary skills and knowledge, the program aims to create a safer and more informed community when it comes to managing psychedelic-related crises.
