Chicago's program designed to change how first responders deal with mental health emergencies is set to expand.
Starting October 5, professionals in the city's Crisis Assistance Response and Engagement (CARE) team will work in two shifts, to respond to calls between 8:00 am and 10:00 pm. Right now, CARE handles calls from 8-4.
Deputy Public Health Commissioner Dr. Jenny Hua told aldermen during a City Council hearing this week that city leaders have spent the summer staffing up the CARE team and training dispatchers and first responders to prepare for the expansion: "We have seven vans plus three backup for shift change coverage."
CARE started as a pilot program in six police districts to de-escalate mental health responses following the death of George Floyd in Minnesota. Northwest side Ald. Rossana Rodriguez Sanchez told colleagues that case exposed the need for cities to develop an alternate model for responding to mental health crises rather than just sending police officers.
"They actually cannot solve the problem," Ald. Rodriguez Sanchez (33rd Ward) said, "and people fall through the cracks."
Supporters including North side Ald. Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth (48th Ward) praised the program during the hearing: "It's a marvel that we're even here talking about the progress that we've made."
Southwest side Ald. Ray Lopez called CARE a good idea "in theory," but questioned the amount of money being spent on the program.
"I feel like we're just reinventing the wheel over and over and over and over again," said Ald. Lopez (15th Ward).
CARE services are available by calling 9-1-1.
Teams to be available 8am-10pm to defuse episodes
Teams to be available 8am-10pm to defuse episodes
