Michelle J.g. Perin Callahan MS, QMHP, EMT CAHOOTS

Michelle J.G. Perin-Callahan, MS, QMHP, EMT works as a street medic with White Bird-Crisis Assistance Helping Out On The Streets (CAHOOTS). This mobile integrated crisis intervention service is the response team for the Eugene-Springfield (OR) Public Safety System. Working with both police and fire/EMS departments, Michelle and her co-workers handle everything from mental health situations, such as psychotic episodes and grief following death, to medical issues, such as wound care, overdoses and other BLS. The team also handles issues complicated by substance abuse and homelessness. Michelle also participates in integrated healthcare resource clinics located at area schools which is a service modeled after and staffed by CAHOOTS. She is also a crisis counselor at White Bird's Crisis Extension held at the Eugene Public Library. Michelle spent 5 years as a volunteer firefighter/EMT with South Lane County (OR) Fire & Rescue, 8 1/2 years working in children's mental health and 8 years as a 911 Dispatcher for City of Phoenix (AZ) Police Department. She has published numerous articles on public safety topics.