Health & Wellness
New York City will now send mental health experts instead of cops to certain 911 calls
NYC is launching a new pilot program that will send mental health experts instead of police officers to respond to certain 911 calls.
New York City is launching a new pilot program that will send mental health experts instead of police officers to respond to certain 911 calls that are mental health related and nonviolent.
Program with mental health experts
Mayor Bill de Blasio announced on Monday the new program.The city will dispatch Emergency Medical Services health professionals and mental health crisis workers to select 911 calls in two high-need communities.
“One in five New Yorkers struggle with a mental health condition. Now, more than ever, we must do everything we can to reach those people before crisis strikes,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “For the first time in our city’s history, health responders will be the default responders for a person in crisis, making sure those struggling with mental illness receive the help they need”.
Calls
The overall number of mental health 911 calls fell by over 8,000 in 2019, the first decline following a decade in which 911 mental health calls increased every year and in every precinct in the city, according to the report.
The pilot program will begin in February 2021. New Mental Health teams will use their physical and mental health expertise, and experience in crisis response to de-escalate emergency situations, according to the report.
Real stories. Real impact. Straight to your inbox. Join thousands others. Click here to subscribe to our newsletter today!
Follow us on Facebook, X, TikTok, Instagram
Memphis man sues city, police over photo taken of his deceased mother
Asbury Park High School: History Seminar
New Jersey police reach $4 million settlement with children of woman killed by ex-husband, a former police officer
Druski new parody mocking conservative women sparks debate
Detroit man convicted of sexually assaulting, killing teen found dead in prison 2 weeks after sentencing
Kendrick Johnson’s parents file $10B lawsuit against federal judges
GoFundMe launched after Alabama mother is fatally shot by husband hours after giving birth
Shaquille O’Neal pays for funeral costs for 12‑year‑old Jada West, Georgia officials say
Family demands justice after Baltimore County man dies after being punched by police officer in violent encounter
New Jersey police reach $4 million settlement with children of woman killed by ex-husband, a former police officer
OWN greenlights first-ever ‘Belle Collective’ spinoff Belle Collective: Birmingham
Hazel Scott’s legacy returns to Harlem in free outdoor film screening
Olympic Gymnast Frederick Richard sets world record, raises $50K for Ugandan youth
Renee Ferguson, trailblazing investigative journalist, dies at 75
“AfroPoP Digital Shorts” returns to the land with “Sweet Samara,” climate and abolitionist film
-
Community2 weeks agoShaquille O’Neal pays for funeral costs for 12‑year‑old Jada West, Georgia officials say
-
Social Justice3 days agoNew Jersey police reach $4 million settlement with children of woman killed by ex-husband, a former police officer
-
Education1 week agoAsbury Park High School: Crossover event esports and history with Tina Watson
-
Social Justice5 days agoJury awards California woman $15 million after supervisor called her n-word
-
Culture2 weeks agoWu‑Tang Clan concert film to screen at The Pinhook as part of Wu‑Tang Wednesday Series
-
Social Justice7 days agoFamily pleads for Trump’s help bringing severely ill son home from Chinese prison
-
Crime & Justice4 days agoDetroit man convicted of sexually assaulting, killing teen found dead in prison 2 weeks after sentencing
-
Culture3 days agoDruski new parody mocking conservative women sparks debate
-
Social Justice2 weeks agoDOJ moves to dismiss criminal case against ex-officers charged for role in Breonna Taylor’s death
-
In Memoriam2 weeks agoIn Memoriam: Beloved Showtime at the Apollo co-host Kiki Shepard