Addressing Mental Health to Build Safer Communities

Mental health challenges affect every corner of our community, yet resources to address them remain insufficient. Sheriff Susan Hutson believes that by tackling the root causes of criminal behavior—such as untreated trauma, mental health struggles, and cycles of addiction—New Orleans can create a safer, more equitable future for everyone. In this episode of "Sworn to Serve," Sheriff Hutson and Dr. Corey Hebert will dive into the mental health crisis in New Orleans, its connection to crime, and the systemic failures that have left the Orleans Justice Center as the largest mental health provider in the city. Following the tragic terror attack on New Orleans on New Year’s Day, this discussion is more urgent than ever. Sheriff Hutson will share her personal connection to this issue through her brother’s battle with PTSD. Together, our guests will explore solutions that focus on community-centered mental health services, education, and economic opportunities as pathways to reducing crime.