As the nation grapples with a growing mental health crisis, Portsmouth’s first responders are proving to be a vital lifeline for residents in distress—showing compassion, restraint, and swift action in multiple mental health emergencies across the city in just one day.
It began at 12:10 a.m., when EMS rushed to the Four Keys Inn to help a person experiencing a severe anxiety attack. Just minutes later at 12:18 a.m., officers were called to the Portsmouth Municipal Building after someone reported a man in need of a mental health evaluation. The man agreed to be transported to SOMC for treatment—highlighting how a calm approach and medical support can de-escalate a tense situation.
By noon, a frightening call came in: a woman was reportedly stabbing herself at a local home. Officers and medics responded with urgency. Thankfully, the situation wasn’t as dire as first believed. The woman had older self-inflicted cuts and voluntarily surrendered a pocketknife to officers. She declined medical treatment, stating she simply needed a walk.
Police also took the time to educate the woman’s family on the process of pursuing a court-ordered psychiatric evaluation, offering guidance instead of judgment.
💡 Mental Health Help in Portsmouth:
First responders are often the first line of defense when someone is in crisis. But they can’t do it alone. If someone you love is struggling, here’s what you can do:
- Call for help: Don’t wait—dial 911 if the situation is urgent.
- Use local resources: Scioto County and SOMC offer services for mental health support.
- Know your legal options: Families can petition the court for mandatory evaluations in serious situations.
In a city facing the ripple effects of addiction, poverty, and trauma, Portsmouth’s police and EMS crews are doing more than enforcing laws—they’re saving lives.