Mental Health Clinicians Will Start Answering Some 911 Calls in Chicago -- Instead of Cops

[mucifer]

For the first time in Chicago, some 911 calls for mental health emergencies won’t be answered by police officers but by mental health professionals paired with paramedics.

In one pilot program starting this fall, a paramedic will be dispatched with a mental health clinician for “behavioral health calls.” In another, a paramedic will work with a “recovery specialist” on calls involving substance abuse.

Mental health clinicians will be on hand at the 911 center to monitor situations, but questions remain how well these new responders will be able to de-escalate violence that can erupt during such calls.

https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/mental-health-clinicians-will-start-answering-some-911-calls-in-chicago-instead-of-cops/2554199/

[marble falls]

1. A good small step forward. Much more needs to be done. But kudo's to Mayor Lightfoot for ...

... starting the ball rolling.