GENESEO, IL — A partnership between Hammond-Henry Hospital and the Geneseo Police Department is receiving statewide recognition for its approach to helping individuals experiencing mental health emergencies, substance use disorders and other crises.
The Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network (ICAHN) has selected the collaboration for its 2026 Innovation Award, recognizing the work of the Geneseo Police Department's Integrated Model Police and Crisis Team (IMPACT) and its partnership with Hammond-Henry Hospital.
Although the formal award presentation has not yet taken place, Hammond-Henry Hospital CEO Wyatt Brieser confirmed the recognition and praised the collaborative effort behind the program.
“Designed to be proactive rather than reactive, IMPACT bridges the critical gap between public safety and healthcare to deliver compassionate, long-term support for community members in need,” Brieser said. “Receiving ICAHN’s award for innovation this year means a great deal to us. We are proud to be part of the team.”
Launched in 2022, IMPACT brings together law enforcement officers and healthcare professionals to provide a coordinated response to individuals in crisis. Rather than relying solely on traditional law enforcement intervention, the program combines public safety assistance with medical expertise, emphasizing de-escalation, timely assessment and connections to appropriate treatment.
The initiative is led by Geneseo Police Department Detective Jamie Shoemaker, whose personal experiences helped shape the program's emphasis on compassion and understanding. According to the hospital's award nomination, Shoemaker's commitment to improving crisis response stems from her own experiences with mental health challenges as a teenager and a desire to improve how individuals in crisis are treated.
“No one wakes up deciding they want to be in crisis that day,” Shoemaker said in a statement featured by the Illinois Health and Hospital Association. “When you think about that for a moment, you start to get a better understanding of how frustrating and difficult these situations can be. That’s why we need to be empathetic and sympathetic when someone is dealing with something.”
The partnership has also changed how Hammond-Henry Hospital responds to challenging situations within its emergency department. Hospital staff maintain direct communication with Shoemaker, allowing them to request immediate assistance when needed. According to the award nomination, Shoemaker or other Geneseo police officers respond to the hospital approximately three to four times each month, with some periods requiring as many as three or four responses in a single week.
Hospital officials identified improved safety for patients, healthcare workers and bystanders as one of the collaboration's most significant benefits. The coordinated approach is intended to reduce potentially dangerous incidents while helping individuals receive appropriate care, particularly in rural communities where behavioral health resources may be limited.
Beyond emergency response, IMPACT has expanded into community education and outreach. The program supports the Geneseo Dementia Task Force, established in 2023 following Geneseo's designation as a Dementia Friendly Community. Through local fundraising and partnerships, the initiative provides free Care Trak tracking bracelets to individuals at risk of wandering, including eligible residents of Hammond-Henry's Long Term Care Living Center.
The hospital also participates in the annual Mindful Strides 5K Run and 2K Fun Run, which benefits the Dementia Task Force, and supports educational efforts focused on dementia awareness and first responder training.
Hammond-Henry has sponsored the annual IMPACT Conference at Augustana College for the past four years. The event brings together law enforcement, emergency medical personnel, healthcare professionals and social workers to discuss mental health, crisis intervention and available community resources. Hospital representatives also participated in the February conference, providing wellness exercises for first responders.
The program has developed partnerships with Geneseo Community Unit School District 228, including participation in the annual Mental Health Awareness and Safety Academy at Geneseo High School. Additional partnerships with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), Bridgeway and local healthcare providers help connect individuals and families with appropriate resources.
Hammond-Henry also works with the Geneseo Park District to provide community health education and free informational luncheons at the Community Center and Geneseo-Atkinson Food Pantry.
Looking ahead, the hospital and IMPACT are working to strengthen the program through continued partnerships, training and workforce development. Hammond-Henry's award nomination references a Rural Health Transformation Fund grant application intended to support healthcare staffing, recruitment and retention for specialized crisis response positions.
The award nomination, submitted by Stephanie DeMay, emphasized the partnership's role in improving coordination between emergency services, healthcare professionals and community organizations while helping individuals receive timely, compassionate care.
The ICAHN Innovation Award recognizes the collaborative approach developed by Hammond-Henry Hospital and the Geneseo Police Department, highlighting how local partnerships can help address mental health and public safety challenges in rural communities.
