Fort Collins Police Services announced in April that its officers will begin using the Vitals™ App in becoming the first public safety agency in Colorado to use the cutting-edge technology. This also marks the launch of a first-of-its-kind partnership between UCHealth and Fort Collins Police Services providing the Vitals App to all officers and UCHealth co-responders. The Vitals App allows a vulnerable person or caregiver to download an app, and voluntarily provide real-time critical information about medical conditions, visible and invisible intellectual and developmental conditions or disabilities, memory loss and mental health challenges. The customized account profiles often include de-escalation cues and techniques, behavior triggers, current medications, etc.
Smartphone Apps
“We are excited to bring the Vitals App to Fort Collins and the state of Colorado. We believe this powerful technology will help our officers and co-responders initiate less stressful and more successful interactions in our community,” said Fort Collins Police Chief Jeff Swoboda. “As we navigate the complex intersection of public safety and mental health, I’m confident that Fort Collins Police Services and our partners will continue to collaborate and innovate to meet the needs of our community. The Vitals program is one of many ways we’re working to ensure safety and service for all.”
UCHealth officials learned early in the process that Fort Collins Police Services was interested in using the Vitals App. The largest health care organization in the region immediately saw the value of the technology and decided to partner to bring Vitals to Fort Collins.
“We have so many patients who can benefit from the Vitals App. We think this is a fantastic resource for the co-responders working alongside police officers. This is a great way for public health and mental health professionals to partner with public safety to help keep residents safe,” said Stephanie Booco, co-responder program supervisor for UCHealth. Learn more about the Vitals by clicking www.thevitalsapp.com.