SUMMARY
Operating a data-driven program to enable the 911 emergency system of Douglas County to connect callers with behavioral health services.
BACKGROUND
Many calls for assistance related to individuals experiencing behavioral health symptoms are responded to by law enforcement; as such, there is a risk that symptoms are misinterpreted as criminal behavior. This can result in criminal charges and potential competency involvement, which may have been avoided if the call had been responded to by behavioral health professionals trained specifically to work with individuals in crisis.
ELEMENTS
Specialized software, computer equipment, and direct client funding for inpatient, outpatient, and substance use treatment
PROGRAM STAFF
Project manager and Douglas County staff overtime
CAPACITY
Serves Douglas County
ANTICIPATED OUTCOMES
Decrease in individuals who acquire criminal charges for reasons related to behavioral health, reduced admittance to the state hospital for competency restoration, increase in treatment service engagement in lieu of justice involvement
STANDOUT ASPECTS
Intercepting individuals at the point 911 is called is a significant upstream intervention. The data collected during this project may lead to insights for replication in other jurisdictions.
FUNDING
$683,300 for 18 months