City of Chicago Transitions Mental Health Crisis Response Program to Public Health
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CHICAGO ~ Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and the City of Chicago have announced a major change to the Crisis Assistance Response and Engagement (CARE) program. The program, which provides emergency response to individuals experiencing a mental health crisis, will now be staffed solely by public health employees.

The CARE program was first piloted three years ago with a team comprised of behavioral health clinicians from the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH), paramedics from the Chicago Fire Department (CFD), and Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) trained officers from the Chicago Police Department (CPD). However, it will now transition to a staffing model where CDPH behavioral health clinicians and CDPH emergency medical technicians will respond to 911 calls identified by dispatchers as having a mental health component.

This change comes after successful results from the pilot program. Over the last three years, CARE team dispatches have resulted in zero arrests and use of force in less than 0.1% of incidents. Mayor Johnson expressed his gratitude towards all those involved in piloting the program and their role in ending the criminalization of mental health issues.

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Since September 2021, CARE teams have responded to over 1,500 calls referred by 911 dispatchers using either a co-response model or an alternative response model. These teams consist of CFD community paramedics, CDPH mental health clinicians, and CPD Crisis Intervention Team officers. The data collected from these responses can be found on the CARE data dashboard.

CDPH Commissioner Olusimbo 'Simbo' Ige, MD, MPH emphasized the importance of this program in ensuring that all Chicagoans have access to necessary behavioral health care. Along with expanding mental health services, having trained clinicians respond to crisis situations will provide compassionate care and connect individuals with resources for their unmet needs.

When responding to an individual in crisis, the CARE team offers de-escalation techniques, mental health assessments, referrals to community services, and transportation to appropriate destinations. They also conduct follow-ups at one, seven, and 30 days with all individuals they encounter.

Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling expressed the importance of collaboration in protecting public safety and believes that having mental health clinicians available to respond to certain 911 calls will benefit the community.

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Chicago Fire Department Commissioner Annette Nance-Holt also praised the program and its transition to public health leadership. She believes that this change will continue to increase access and linkages to mental health treatment and social supports for Chicagoans.

The successful transition of the CARE program was made possible through collaborative efforts from various city departments, as well as the support of Chicago City Council Committee on Health and Human Services Chairwoman Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez. The long-standing advocacy of community organizations, advocates, and organized labor also played a crucial role in this change.

This shift towards a more holistic and behavioral health-driven model for emergency response is a significant step towards ensuring the well-being of all Chicagoans. With trained professionals responding to mental health crises, individuals can receive the care they need without fear of criminalization. The City of Chicago is committed to building safer communities together through collaborative efforts like the CARE program.

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