Connect and Protect

The City of Fall River, Massachusetts proposes to enhance a current successful effort to serve people with mental health disorders, co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders and intellectual and developmental disabilities who come into contact with law enforcement. In 2023, there were 1,500 mental health-related calls to 911, representing a 15% increase from the previous year. Approximately 30% of all calls for police assistance involved individuals experiencing mental health crises. Over 60% of individuals taken into custody during mental health-related calls have had previous encounters with law enforcement for similar issues.
 

The project's goal includes partnering law enforcement officers and other first responders with trained mental health clinicians to provide timely and appropriate co-responses and follow-up to mental health-related calls, thereby reducing the strain on emergency services and promoting the well-being of community members. Project activities include forming an advisory group; developing protocols for collaborative response teams; creating Mental Health First Aid training infrastructure for first responders and other key personnel; implementing follow-up visits; creating streamlined referral processes.

The City of Fall River requests Priority 1B consideration. The mental health agency partner has provided healthcare and addiction treatment to the historically underserved community since 1977, continuously meeting the needs of residents facing social and economic challenges and health inequities. Working with other project partners, they will address this priority by creating and maintaining a social media outreach/education campaign targeting high-risk adults (dual diagnosis, homeless, women, veterans, and former inmates) and members of diverse populations (Portuguese & Hispanic/Latino communities). There are no planned conference activities for the recommended award.