AUBURN — A pair of mental health workers will join police officers on their beats as part of the Project Support You initiative, the city announced Friday.

Project Support You, first rolled out in late 2018, pairs crisis workers with police officers to help treat those suffering from mental health issues and substance use disorder.

Erica West and Scott Lesser, both employed by Spurwink, will be responding along with Auburn police officers to calls for service that involve mental health issues, substance abuse or homelessness.

Eric Scott and Tom Hibbert, who serve as the “Options” liaison for Androscoggin County, will also provide outreach at the Pleasant Street Drop-In Center and other spots around the community, police said.

“It’s important to note that PSY and Options staff are not law enforcement officers,” Auburn Police Lt. Anthony Harrington said. “They are substance use, and mental health professionals working alongside law enforcement officers to engage the community and help connect some of our most vulnerable residents with available resources. We are proud of this partnership; it is meaningful to have this added layer of support and services available.”

Project Support You co-responders are also partnering with the Auburn Fire Department.

Lewiston police are also paired up with crisis workers on calls as part of the Project Support You initiative.