First Responders for Mental Health Crises

Historically those in our community who suffer from mental health crisis, homelessness, and addiction have been funneled into a public safety pathway within our community who rely heavily on first responders to triage non-criminal calls for service involving this portion of the city’s population. 

While our police department is equipped to handle some incidents, they are not necessarily the most effective at finding long term and wrap around solutions for those who are in need. 

The project invests a portion of ARPA funds into a exploring how a community-based model solution will benefit our community members who are experiencing these issues. 

We believe a community-based approach will provide better long-term outcomes for those in crisis by allowing those with the expertise to take the lead and assist those who need help.

This project will begin by working with a consultant who will provide a "road map" for our community. The chosen consultant will provide information on how to create a program for a community our size, how to harness the existing programs within the county, and find new entities to partner with.