Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The Baldwin County Commission has approved another year of funding for AltaPointe Health’s Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) and Crisis Response Team programs, committing $384,687 to continue mental health and substance use services across the county.

Commissioners voted January 6 to renew the agreement, saying the program remains vital for residents living with severe mental illness or substance use disorders—particularly those who frequently come into contact with law enforcement or face repeated hospitalizations. The county noted that in some instances, costs may be supplemented with Opioid Funds when addiction is documented as a contributing factor.

Over the last two years, the Baldwin County AOT team logged 3,635 interactions with participants. County data show that the program’s approach—combining intensive monitoring, treatment, and collaboration with law enforcement—has delivered measurable results.

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The Commission reported participants spent 3,341 days in psychiatric hospitals in the 12 months before joining the program. That number dropped to 609 days afterward. Arrests also declined sharply, from 87 before enrollment to just 23 since. The Crisis Response Team has responded to 2,520 calls involving justice-involved individuals, often working alongside the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office and municipal police departments.

County leaders said the renewed funding will help sustain those efforts and strengthen cooperation among law enforcement, healthcare providers, and community partners. Beyond the numbers, officials cited “intangible benefits,” including improved pre-arrest diversion options, medication support after arrest, and a growing culture of collaboration on mental health care in Baldwin County.