According to USA Today (10/26, Miller), cities across the US “have been testing programs in recent years to send mental health professionals instead of police to some emergency calls.” Now, “a survey of 911 call centers suggests the people answering the phone may not have the resources to handle those crises.” On Oct. 26, the Pew Charitable Trusts published a survey of “more than three dozen emergency call centers,” finding that “few have staff trained to handle behavioral health crises.” In fact, “most centers also did not have access to mental health professionals who can help with the calls or first responders in the field trained to handle such crises.”
The Hill (10/26, Beals) also covers the story.
Related Links:
— “911 operators need more training to handle mental health crisis calls. Here’s why it matters “Ryan W. Miller, USA TODAY, October 26, 2021