Friday, DECEMBER 12, 2025 |
Photo – CCSO badge over county map – Courtesy CCSO
The Carbon County Sheriff’s Office is exploring a partnership with a South Dakota telemedicine provider.
Speaking at the December 2nd Board of Carbon County Commissioners meeting, Sheriff Alex Bakken announced that his department is in talks with Avel eCare, a Sioux Falls-based virtual healthcare company. Through Avel eCare’s Crisis Care service, Sheriff Bakken said deputies will be able to access mental health support at any time, whether in the jail, in schools, or out in the field.
The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust gave Wyoming $2.4 million to expand law enforcement’s access to virtual behavioral health support across the state. The Wyoming Association of Sheriffs and Chiefs of Police partnered with Avel eCare to deliver those services.
According to Avel eCare’s website, Crisis Care enables law enforcement officers to connect with licensed behavioral health professionals around the clock using a secure, cellular‑enabled tablet. Avel also links individuals to local behavioral health resources for follow‑up care.
Sheriff Bakken explained that deputies often encounter people in the midst of a mental health crisis while responding to emergency calls. However, those individuals do not always meet the criteria for a Title 25 hold, which allows for involuntary psychiatric commitment when someone poses a danger to themselves or others. The sheriff said the Crisis Care service may prove useful in those situations, adding that Carbon County is not alone in exploring the option.
Sheriff Bakken said he has personally responded to calls where an individual was suffering from a psychiatric emergency but did not qualify for a Title 25 hold. The sheriff said he hopes the Crisis Care service can provide those people with the help they need.
Commissioner John Johnson thanked the sheriff for considering the Crisis Care service, adding that mental health usually doesn’t get the response it deserves. Sheriff Bakken agreed, saying that through the service, deputies can connect people with psychiatric support wherever it is needed.
Sheriff Bakken said he will report back to the Board of Commissioners when he has more information about the Avel eCare partnership.
