KNOXVILLE - Thirty-two participants consisting of law enforcement and security officers, first responders and medical staff graduated from Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training on Friday, April 24, 2026.

Graduates are staff members of: American Medical Response (AMR), Covenant Health Emergency Department, Covenant Health Security Department, East Tennessee Children’s Hospital Security Department, Knox County Schools Security Department, Knox County Sheriff’s Office, Knoxville Fire Department, Knoxville Police Department, McNabb Center, University of Tennessee Police Department, University of Tennessee Medical Center Emergency Department and University of Tennessee Medical Center Security Department.

CIT trained officers undergo 40 hours of intensive training, which helps them identify mental health resources to assist people in crisis. The training connects officers with mental health professionals and other community agencies to create a team that can provide support when a challenging situation occurs. In addition, officers learn verbal de-escalation skills and experience scenario-based training on responding to crises.

The McNabb Center is the region’s leading nonprofit provider of mental health, substance use, social and victim services. The Center provides a quality and compassionate approach to care from infancy through adulthood. Since 1948, it has proudly served individuals with the most needs and fewest resources. Today, the McNabb Center delivers support to more than 51,000 people throughout East Tennessee each year. For more information, visit www.mcnabbcenter.org or call 1-800-255-9711.