People experiencing crisis deserve service from an anti-racist, health-centered emergency response program that is accountable to those impacted and promotes investment in long term community supports.

Case Studies: Other cities with similar populations and demographics have successfully implemented alternative crisis systems, including right here in Ohio. For example, the Cincinnati Alternative Response to Crisis (ARC) uses various interventions that include de-escalating 911 calls to non-police related behavioral health responders. Between July 2022 and July 2023, ARC responded to 826 calls and saved about 3000 hours of police time.  Additionally, the Dayton Mediation Response Unit (MRU) services low-emergent 911 calls, including noise complaints and neighbor disputes. The MRU includes referral, case management, and follow up services to residents in need. Outside of Ohio, the St. Petersburg Community Assistance and Life Liaison (CALL) offers on-site interventions and services for non-violent, non-emergency 911 calls and referrals by sending two-person teams to de-escalate and stabilize the situation. Over an eight-month pilot period, CALL staff responded to about 3,000 calls; handled 73% of the non-violent, non-emergency calls, and provided follow-up services to 60.3% of the callers.

Anyone willing to serve their community should have an opening to this work. The program should include a paid training period, and prioritize those with lived experience and neighborhood ties.

This program should be paid for with city funds and support a workforce that has robust pay, benefits, and values alignment with program goals.

A paid board of community members develops best practices and provides performance review and accountability processes after complaints.

Program implementation should coincide with a request for proposals for research on program efficacy. Ideally, a study team will conduct a randomized control trial to assess impacts of the pilot phase.