Providing an Alternative Response to Mental Health and Quality of Life 911 Calls for Service: Understanding the Design and Implementation of Two Alternative Response Programs

• In Event: Implementation, Outcomes and Cost-Benefit of Alternative Response Strategies

Abstract

The Durham Holistic Empathetic Assistance Response Teams (HEART) and the Greensboro Behavioral Health Response Team (BHRT) programs were designed to provide an alternative response to 911 calls for service. The goal of these programs is to ensure community members are connected to the appropriate care and reduce unnecessary law enforcement involvement where appropriate. This presentation will describe how the programs are designed to provide an alternative response to law enforcement, the facilitators and challenges to implementation, and the critical components to on-scene response.

Authors

• Kristin Stainbrook, RTI International

• Elise Kratzer, RTI International