A "wellness check" in Alabama is typically an in-person visit by law enforcement officers to an individual's home to confirm their safety and well-being. These checks are usually initiated when someone expresses concern that a person may be unable to care for themselves, might be in danger, or hasn't been heard from for an unusual amount of time. It's important to understand the typical procedure and the various resources available for requesting a wellness check, as well as considering alternatives. ### **ALABAMA WELLNESS CHECK: OVERVIEW & RESOURCES** **I. When to Request a Wellness Check** You might request a wellness check if you are concerned about someone who: - Has not been heard from in an unusual amount of time. - Has a known physical or mental health condition that might put them at risk (e.g., elderly, disabled, living with a severe mental illness). - Has made concerning statements about harming themselves or others. - Is showing signs of neglect or appears to be in distress. - Is known to be in a vulnerable situation (e.g., living alone with a serious illness, recently experienced a traumatic event). **II. How to Request a Wellness Check** The primary way to request a wellness check in Alabama is through local law enforcement. 1. **Contact Your Local Police Department or Sheriff's Office (Non-Emergency Line):** - This is the standard contact for a wellness check unless there's an immediate, life-threatening emergency. - **Find the specific non-emergency number for the city or county where the person resides.** You can do this by searching online for "[City Name] Police Department non-emergency number" or "[County Name] Sheriff's Office non-emergency number." - **Examples of Non-Emergency Police Numbers in Alabama:** - Birmingham Police Department: (205) 328-9311 - Montgomery Police Department: (334) 241-2651 - Mobile Police Department: (251) 208-7211 - Huntsville Police Department: (256) 722-7100 - Tuscaloosa Police Department: (205) 349-2121 - _If outside a major city, contact the county Sheriff's Office (e.g., Shelby County Sheriff's Office: (205) 670-6000)._ - **When you call, be prepared to provide:** - The full name and address of the person you are concerned about. - Reasons for your concern (what made you worried). - Any known medical conditions, mental health conditions, or disabilities. - Information about whether they might have weapons, or if there are any known dangers to responders. - Any information that might help officers safely approach or communicate with the person (e.g., if they are deaf, have autism). - Your contact information, in case they need to follow up. - You can also ask if you can accompany the officers if you believe your presence might be helpful or de-escalating. 2. **Call 911 (For Immediate Danger/Emergency):** - If you believe the person is in immediate danger, actively harming themselves, or if there's a medical emergency, **call 911 immediately.** This is for situations where rapid emergency response is critical. **III. Alternative and Specialized Wellness Check Resources** Depending on the specific nature of your concern, other organizations may be able to assist or offer more targeted support: 1. **988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline:** - **Purpose:** The national three-digit number for all mental health, substance use, and suicide crises. Crisis specialists can assess the situation and, if necessary, coordinate a more appropriate response than law enforcement, such as connecting with mobile crisis teams. - **Call or Text:** **988** (available 24/7) - **Chat:** [988lifeline.org/chat](https://988lifeline.org/chat) - **Why 988 is important for wellness checks:** Alabama is building out its 988 crisis system to offer "someone to call, someone to respond, and somewhere to go." This aims to de-escalate mental health crises and connect individuals to appropriate care, potentially avoiding unnecessary police involvement. - **Key 988 Centers in Alabama:** AltaPointe Health (Mobile), The Crisis Center Birmingham, SpectraCare Health Systems (Dothan), and WellStone (Huntsville). These centers can dispatch mobile crisis teams in some areas. 2. **Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR) - Adult Protective Services (APS):** - **Purpose:** If your concern involves suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a vulnerable adult (including seniors), APS can initiate an investigation and coordinate services, which may include wellness checks. - **Adult Abuse Hotline:** **1-800-458-7214** (24/7) - **Website:** [https://dhr.alabama.gov/adult-protective-services/](https://dhr.alabama.gov/adult-protective-services/) 3. **Alabama AGELINE (Aging & Disability Resource Center - ADRC):** - **Purpose:** For concerns about the general well-being, health, or safety of an elderly person or an adult with a disability, especially if they live alone. They can connect you to local Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) which offer various support services. - **Phone:** **1-800-AGELINE (1-800-243-5463)** - **Website:** [https://alabamaageline.gov/](https://alabamaageline.gov/) - **Services:** AAAs may have programs, volunteers, or social workers who can perform regular visits or coordinate services to monitor health and well-being. 4. **2-1-1 Connects Alabama:** - **Purpose:** A comprehensive information and referral service. While not directly dispatching wellness checks, they can connect you to local resources, including the correct agencies for specific types of concerns (e.g., mental health services, senior services, DHR). - **Phone:** Dial **2-1-1** - **Website:** [https://www.211connectsalabama.org/](https://www.211connectsalabama.org/) 5. **Local Mental Health Centers / Crisis Teams:** - If you have a known connection to a specific mental health provider or community mental health center for the person, you might reach out to them directly. Some areas have mobile crisis teams that can respond to mental health emergencies. These are often accessible through the 988 Lifeline. **IV. Important Considerations Before Requesting a Wellness Check:** - **Potential Risks:** While wellness checks are intended to ensure safety, they can be stressful for the individual being checked on. There is a small risk of escalation, especially if the person is experiencing a mental health crisis. - **Privacy:** The individual may feel their privacy has been invaded. Consider discussing your concerns with them afterward to maintain trust. - **Non-Police Alternatives:** For non-emergency situations, consider if there's a friend, family member, neighbor, or professional (e.g., social worker, caregiver) who could check on the person first, particularly if there are concerns about police interaction. - **Documentation:** If you have to call, clearly articulate your concerns and provide as much specific, factual information as possible to help responders. If you are seriously concerned about someone's well-being in Alabama, do not hesitate to reach out to one of these resources. Your concern could be life-saving. In Alabama, **wellness checks** are typically done to ensure the well-being of an individual, especially in cases where there is concern for their health or safety. Here are resources available for wellness checks in Alabama: --- ### **1. Local Police Departments** - **Purpose**: If you're concerned about someone's immediate well-being, you can contact local law enforcement for a wellness check. - **How to Request**: - **Phone**: Dial **911** for emergency situations or contact the local non-emergency police number. - **Services**: - Officers can visit the home of the individual in question to check on their health and safety. - Wellness checks are usually requested when there is concern for someone’s mental or physical health, or if they have not been heard from in a while. --- ### **2. Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR) Adult Protective Services** - **Purpose**: If there are concerns about abuse, neglect, or exploitation of vulnerable adults, the Alabama Department of Human Resources can intervene. - **Contact**: - **Phone**: **1-800-458-7214** (24/7 Adult Protective Services) - **Website**: [dhr.alabama.gov](https://www.dhr.alabama.gov) - **Services**: - Investigates reports of neglect, abuse, or exploitation. - Can assist in coordinating wellness checks for vulnerable adults, particularly in cases of elder abuse. --- ### **3. Local Senior Services (Aging and Disability Resource Centers)** - **Purpose**: Many local agencies offer wellness checks for elderly or disabled individuals who may need assistance. - **Contact**: - **Phone**: **1-800-AGE-LINE** (1-800-243-5463) - **Website**: [alabamaageline.gov](https://www.alabamaageline.gov) - **Services**: - Assistance for elderly individuals, including wellness checks and coordination of services. - Local programs may include volunteers or social workers who perform regular visits to monitor health and well-being. --- ### **4. Alabama Lifeline Program** - **Purpose**: A telehealth program that can offer wellness checks for people with certain health needs or who live alone. - **Contact**: - **Phone**: **1-800-AGE-LINE** (for information and referrals) - **Website**: [age-line.alabama.gov](https://www.alabamaageline.gov) - **Services**: - Provides home visits and health checks for older adults and individuals with disabilities who live independently. - Can offer assessments for health needs and ensure wellness through coordinated services. --- ### **5. Caregiving Agencies (Home Health Agencies)** - **Purpose**: These agencies provide in-home health care services and can be a resource for wellness checks, especially for individuals who are ill or elderly. - **How to Find**: - **Phone**: Contact local home health agencies or search through resources like [medicare.gov](https://www.medicare.gov) for providers near you. - **Services**: - Agencies often provide home visits to assess health, administer medical care, and check on general wellness. - Can be requested for individuals who require regular monitoring of their health. --- ### **6. Mental Health Crisis Teams (Mobile Crisis Teams)** - **Purpose**: If the wellness check is related to mental health concerns (e.g., potential self-harm, suicidal thoughts), a mental health crisis team may be dispatched. - **Contact**: - **Phone**: Contact local mental health services or use the **988** Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for immediate assistance. - **Website**: [988lifeline.org](https://988lifeline.org) - **Services**: - Mobile crisis teams may be available in some areas of Alabama to respond to mental health emergencies. - They provide immediate mental health interventions, including wellness checks for individuals who may be in distress. --- ### **7. 211 Connect Alabama** - **Purpose**: A resource for connecting individuals with a variety of services, including wellness check requests. - **Contact**: - **Phone**: Dial **211** for assistance. - **Website**: [211connectsalabama.org](https://www.211connectsalabama.org) - **Services**: - 211 can assist in connecting you with local resources, including services for wellness checks. - They provide referrals to social services, healthcare resources, and emergency assistance. --- ### **8. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (988)** - **Purpose**: If the wellness check is due to concerns about suicide or self-harm, the 988 Lifeline can provide immediate help and connect you to the appropriate resources. - **Contact**: - **Phone**: Dial **988** - **Website**: [988lifeline.org](https://988lifeline.org) - **Services**: - Provides emotional support and crisis counseling. - Connects individuals to local emergency services if necessary, including wellness checks for suicidal individuals. --- ### **9. Volunteers for Wellness Checks (Community Programs)** - **Purpose**: Some local community programs may have volunteer-based wellness check services. - **Contact**: - Contact your local senior centers or community health organizations. - **Services**: - Volunteers can perform check-ins for seniors or vulnerable individuals. - These are typically scheduled check-ins to ensure safety and health, especially for those living alone. --- ### **10. Hospitals and Health Systems** - **Purpose**: If you're concerned about someone's health, local hospitals or health systems may offer home health services, which can include wellness checks. - **Contact**: - Contact local hospitals or health providers for wellness programs. - **Services**: - Medical professionals may perform home visits or arrange for a home care provider to check on someone’s wellness. --- ### **How to Request a Wellness Check** - If you are seriously concerned about someone's well-being, it is essential to contact either local law enforcement or a relevant social service agency immediately. - In the case of a mental health emergency or if you're unsure whom to contact, the **988** Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is an excellent starting point for connecting with professionals who can arrange a wellness check. Let me know if you'd like more details on any of these options!