October 2026

CIT Newsletter


First Edition

In this Issue

  • Meet Deputy Thomas, a Pender County Deputy who used CIT skills to connect someone to recovery. Read More


  • Learn about community resources and partners. Read More



  • Explore CIT training photos and stories from July through September 2026. Read More


Real Stories, Real Impact

 

CIT In Action: Turning a Simple Ride Into Real Recovery


Just days after completing CIT training, Deputy Thomas encountered a man in crisis whose only request was a ride—until a deeper story emerged. Using the resources and relationships gained through CIT, the deputy connected him with meaningful long‑term support, ultimately helping him enter stable housing and remain clean. This powerful encounter shows how one informed, compassionate response can change someone’s entire path.


Pender County Group One
7/6/26 – 8/3/26

 

Share Your CIT Success Story 

We love to see success stories of CIT in action. If you have a positive story to share, please let us know. You can send pictures and stories to cit@trilliumnc.org.

 
 
 
 

Training Highlights

 

CIT Training at Work: A Snapshot of Q1 Impact

From July to September 2026, Trillium delivered 20 CIT trainings across the catchment, equipping 265 participants with skills to respond safely and compassionately during crises. These sessions strengthen collaboration among first responders and partners, building a more connected and resilient crisis‑response network. Click below to explore more Q1 data and impact highlights.


Pitt County 8/10/26 – 8/14/26

Hoke County 7/27/26 – 7/31/26

Scotland County 9/21/26 – 9/25/26

Pender County 9/21/26 – 9/25/26

Pitt County 7/20/26 – 7/24/26

Moore County 9/14/26 – 9/18/26

Partner & Resource Spotlight

 

Mobile Crisis teams provide fast, compassionate support when people need it most—24/7, right in the community. They offer immediate stabilization, connect individuals to ongoing resources, and partner with law enforcement and EMS to ensure safer, more supportive outcomes for everyone.


 

Click below to explore more partners and resources across our region.

 

Strengthening Crisis Response Through Collaboration with the Onslow County Sheriff’s Office


The Onslow County Sheriff’s Office is expanding regional crisis‑response capacity by offering ongoing CIT trainings and inviting neighboring agencies to join. This flexible, collaborative approach increases access, boosts participation, and helps build a more prepared and compassionate network of responders.


Onslow County 8/31/26 – 9/4/26

 

Brunswick County 9/14/26 – 9/18/26

Pender County Group Four
7/6/26 – 8/6/26

Guilford County 9/21/26 – 9/25/26

Pitt County 7/13/26 – 7/17/26

Recognition & Appreciation

 

Chief Rowell of the Burgaw Police Department brought exceptional leadership and enthusiasm to the recent Sampson County CIT training, elevating discussions and modeling the importance of community‑focused crisis response. His firsthand participation shows how agency leaders can inspire stronger engagement across their teams—see the full story at the link below to learn more about his commitment to CIT.

Pitt County 9/21/26 – 9/25/26

 

Wilson County 7/28/26 – 7/29/26

 

Pitt County Role Play
7/20/26 – 7/24/26

Correctional Officer Jacob Hannah distinguished himself during Pitt County’s CIT training, showing strong skill, professionalism, and impressive composure in a challenging role‑play scenario. His dedication to CIT principles makes him a standout example of compassionate crisis response—click below to uncover his full story and celebrate his CIT performance.



Eleven 911 Telecommunicators from Wilson and Nash Counties recently completed CIT training, strengthening their ability to guide callers through high‑stress moments with skill and compassion. As the first voice in a crisis, their enhanced training makes a powerful difference—click below to explore their full story and impact.




The Pitt CIT class enjoyed an immersive visit to the new ECU Behavioral Health Hospital, exploring the facility and practicing CIT skills alongside hospital staff before celebrating their on‑site graduation. This collaborative experience highlighted a growing partnership dedicated to stronger crisis response—click below to learn more about this special day and the teamwork behind it.



Future CIT Trainings


Ready to build your crisis‑response skills? Our upcoming CIT trainings give first responders practical tools and real‑world strategies to better support individuals in crisis—explore and register below.



 
 

Wilson County 7/13/26 – 7/17/26

 

New Hanover County 7/27/26 – 7/31/26


CIT Training Activities

 

Pitt County Site Visit 
8/10/26 – 8/14/26

 

ECVC Site Visit

Participants recently toured Eastern Carolina Vocational Center (ECVC) in Greenville, learning how this resource provides job training and employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities across Eastern North Carolina. The visit underscored how meaningful employment reduces recidivism and gave CIT participants valuable insight to help connect justice‑involved individuals with local, practical alternatives to incarceration and a path toward long‑term stability.



Pitt County Homelessness Simulation 9/21/26 – 9/25/26

 

Homelessness Simulation

During their 40‑hour CIT training, correctional participants took part in a homelessness simulation in Pitt County—an exercise designed to shift perspective and deepen empathy. By stepping into the shoes of individuals experiencing homelessness, participants gained insight into the barriers, stigma, and crisis‑driven challenges people face, reinforcing the importance of compassionate, informed response and equipping officers to better support vulnerable community members.



Sampson County 8/31/26 – 9/4/26

 

Connecting Culture and Crisis Response: Coharie Intra-Tribal Council Site Visit

After visiting the Coharie Intra‑Tribal Council Food Distribution Center, Sampson County CIT participants explored how cultural understanding strengthens crisis response. The experience highlighted how cultural hubs build community resilience and reinforced a core CIT principle: effective crisis intervention depends on connecting individuals with culturally relevant resources that promote trust, safety, and collaboration.



 
 

From the Newsroom

2026 CIT International Conference: Bringing Innovation Back Home
Trillium’s CIT team returned energized from the 2026 CIT International Conference in Orlando, Florida, where they explored new ideas in de‑escalation, trauma‑informed care, and crisis response. The team came back inspired and ready to strengthen training and support across our communities.


 
 

Member and Recipients

1-877-685-2415


TrilliumHealthResources.org


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