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Austin FIRST: Transforming Mental Health Crisis Response in Central Austin

Update Addressing Mental Health Crisis in Austin: A Collaborative Response In an innovative effort to tackle severe mental health emergencies, Austin is launching a new pilot program called "Austin FIRST" in mid-October. This initiative represents a collaborative approach between law enforcement and mental health professionals to provide immediate support for individuals experiencing acute psychiatric crises, particularly in downtown areas where incidents are reportedly more frequent. With a multidisciplinary team comprising a police officer, a paramedic, and a mental health clinician, this program aims to ensure that individuals facing crises receive the appropriate support and services they need. A Shift Towards Comprehensive Mental Health Responses Austin has been evolving its response to mental health crises for years, stemming from findings in a 2019 report by the Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute. Previously, residents could call 911 and request specialized mental health assistance, which has shown considerable improvement in managing such emergencies. From January 2022 to 2024 alone, over 97,000 of approximately 867,500 emergency calls were mental health-related. Notably, 16% of these calls were effectively managed by Integral Care clinicians, highlighting the success of integrating mental health responses. Why This Program Matters: The Need for Change Despite the progress made, Austin officials recognize that high-acuity calls—those that pose a greater risk of harm to the individual or others—still require improved handling. Chief Medical Officer Mark Escott emphasized that while other jurisdictions have implemented co-response teams, Austin's initiative is unique in addressing particularly challenging situations. Mayor Kirk Watson expressed enthusiasm for the program, emphasizing its potential to gather crucial data on emergency responses and guide future mental health crisis interventions. Operational Insights: What's Next? The pilot phase will last six months, during which the Austin FIRST team will operate Monday to Thursday during peak crisis times, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Their operations will focus on patrolling the downtown area, responding to active 911 calls, and proactively looking for individuals in need. The data collected will evaluate response times, adverse incidents, and overall effectiveness, which will pave the way for future enhancements or expansions of the program. The Goals of Austin FIRST: A Holistic Approach This program isn't just about immediate response; it seeks to reduce the reliance on police force and aim for a more compassionate, comprehensive treatment model. EMS Chief Robert Luckritz remarked on the importance of this collaboration, stating it brings together various strengths of the involved organizations, ultimately benefiting those in crisis. Integral Care's Chief Operating Officer, Dawn Handley, highlighted that the initiative focuses on stabilizing individuals and ensuring they transition smoothly to long-term care solutions. Insights and Predictions: What This Means for the Community As mental health challenges continue to rise nationally, Austin's approach offers a hopeful model that other cities may follow. By combining emergency services with mental health clinicians, the potential exists not only to alleviate immediate crises but also to create long-lasting community support structures. Police Chief Lisa Davis expressed optimism, noting that this strategy could help frequent users of emergency services—addressing not just the symptoms of crises but underlying issues contributing to them. Community Involvement and Future Directions As we await the outcomes of the Austin FIRST pilot, community engagement remains crucial. Public awareness about mental health resources should be amplified to offer support to those in need effectively. The city's willingness to analyze gathered data will also be vital in adjusting and expanding the program after its initial phase. Engaging the wider community can help ensure that the program meets the specific needs of Austin's diverse population. In conclusion, Austin's innovative pilot program represents a significant step towards redefining mental health crisis responses. As they launch the Austin FIRST initiative, the community's support and involvement may play a critical role in its success and influence on future policies regarding mental health in our society.