BayCare and New Port Richey Police Department Change Lives Through Transformative Program

The L.I.F.T. (Life Improvement Facilitation Team) program in New Port Richey is a transformative partnership between BayCare and the New Port Richey Police Department. Together, they have created a unique initiative that addresses the root causes of homelessness, including mental health challenges and substance use disorders. Moving beyond traditional law enforcement approaches, the L.I.F.T. program offers compassionate, community-based solutions to help individuals reintegrate into society and break cycles of crisis. As part of the approach, a BayCare case manager accompanies police officers into the community to connect directly with those in need.  

Sergeant Matthew Patsch, who spearheads the law enforcement side of the program, explains the program’s core mission: "My unit aims to improve people's lives, whether it's homelessness, mental health, drug addiction, overdose, or all of it together. We go out and make contact with these individuals to see what we can do to improve their lives."  

From the beginning, the program has been built on the idea of human connection and understanding. Patsch and his team seek out people who are often invisible to society—the unhoused, often suffering silently from addiction or mental health issues—and offer them the help they need.  

“Seeing what we could do to improve their quality of life was our goal—to get them off the streets or reintegrated back into society where they could start feeling a sense of self again and become contributing members of the community,” added Patsch. 

This compassionate approach was initially met with surprise by many of the individuals they encountered.  

"People never thought to go to law enforcement for help," noted Patsch. "They always saw us as the enforcers, the ones who would step in when they were doing something wrong and get them in trouble. Breaking that stigma was one of the hardest things to do." Despite the initial challenges, Patsch says the effort has been worth it. "Now, when people see us coming, they know we're there to help. It’s been a huge shift." 

Kevin Tadema, a program participant who had been experiencing homelessness and addiction, shared his experience of how the L.I.F.T. program became a lifeline.  

" Before this program, I was homeless and struggling with addiction, with no one to turn to—not even my family. I ended up at a police station asking for help, never expecting they’d take me to treatment and connect me with a case manager. The L.I.F.T. program gave me my life back."

Now nine months sober, Tadema has a new perspective."I see law enforcement differently—not as punishers, but as a supportive team. Without their help and BayCare’s resources, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”

One of the key factors in the program’s success has been the collaboration with BayCare, particularly through the role of case managers like Sandra Smith Serrano. BayCare’s involvement brings critical social services into the fold, ensuring that the individuals identified by law enforcement receive comprehensive care. "We were super grateful to have collaborated with BayCare," said Patsch. "Before, I was identifying, following up, and managing these people's cases on my own, which was difficult. Now, I can go out and make contact with even more individuals because we approach it as a team effort." Serrano plays an integral role in these efforts. "I go out with the L.I.F.T. team to help individuals get connected with services and overcome the barriers that are leading to their homelessness or struggles," she explained. The key to her success is a highly personalized approach. "A lot of people need help with mental health medications, therapy, detox or mental health stabilization. Everyone is going through something different, so it's about figuring out what they need and getting them connected."

Serrano’s passion for this work comes from a deep personal connection to the community. "I wasn’t born here, but I’ve lived here the majority of my life since I was four," she said. "I feel like it’s my purpose on this earth to help people. I’ve been through my own struggles, and this is my way of giving back. I want people to know that there is help out there and that we are here for them." Serrano adds that simply knowing they’re cared for makes a significant impact on the people they serve. "When they see that the L.I.F.T. team is here to help, it can be a turning point for them."

Lauren Vieira, program supervisor for several of BayCare’s field-based case management programs, noted the collaboration’s broader impact. "BayCare is committed to partnering with law enforcement and first responders so we can divert individuals experiencing a mental health crisis or other concerns from the judicial system," said Vieira. "We work to get them the services they need instead."

BayCare co-responders join first responders in the field, helping reduce mental health calls by 42% and increasing mobile response efforts by 87%. “The dramatic results show that what we’re doing in the community is working. We’re getting people into the services they need when they need them,” explained Vieira.

Patsch is optimistic about the future of the L.I.F.T. program and would love to see it grow. "There’s a change happening in society, and law enforcement has to meet those changing needs. Mental health and substance use go hand-in-hand, and if we’re able to help these folks, we can reduce the number of negative contacts with law enforcement."

For Patsch and his team, even small victories matter. He noted that talking to someone, breaking the stigma, and helping people realize that his team is there to support them is a success.

The program stands as a model for how compassionate, community-focused policing, combined with strategic health care partnerships, can create real and lasting change. BayCare has shown this commitment in various ways throughout its West Central Florida footprint.

St. Anthony’s Hospital’s Police Assisting the Homeless (PATH) program in St. Petersburg, where a nurse and police officer visit locations where those without housing gather, provides health guidance and support. BayCare and St. Anthony’s Hospital also partner with Catholic Charities through the Medical Respite Program at Pinellas Hope, providing a continuum of care for recently discharged patients. By meeting individuals on their terms, offering services tailored to their needs, and building trust between law enforcement and the community, the L.I.F.T. team is providing people with a chance to rebuild their lives and contribute positively to society. This innovative program is not just improving the lives of those it serves; it’s also helping to reshape the role of law enforcement in addressing the complex social issues of today.

BayCare is proud to be a part of the All4HealthFL Collaborative, a group of local health departments and hospitals committed to improving community health. As part of this effort, BayCare is urging residents of Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas and Polk counties to participate in the 2025 Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) survey, which is open until Feb. 14, 2025. 

BayCare conducts the CHNA every three years to identify the most significant health needs across our region and develop strategies for addressing them. A collaborative process is used to develop the assessments and implementation plans integrating extensive data analysis, community member feedback and in working with community organizations that share our commitment.

By participating in the 2025 CHNA survey, you can help BayCare continue to develop programs that directly address the needs of your community. To take the survey, use this link.

Residents of Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas and Polk counties are encouraged to participate in the 2025 Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) survey, open until February 14, 2025. This anonymous survey gathers feedback on access to health care, mental health, food insecurity, and other factors affecting well-being. The data helps BayCare address critical health needs, as seen in previous initiatives like health navigation services, mental health first aid courses, and food security programs.