Chicago Expands Crisis Assistance Program to Address Mental Health Emergencies

The expansion is designed to enhance public safety by ensuring that individuals in crisis receive appropriate care before situations escalate. Johnson emphasized the importance of connection and healing, stating, "It's about public safety and making sure that people in crisis are not threats to themselves or others and can get the help that they truly need and deserve."

Starting October 12, the CARE program's hours will extend from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to daily operations from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. This change aims to lessen the burden on police and firefighters who respond to mental health emergencies, allowing them to focus on their primary responsibilities.

Under the enhanced program, each mobile response unit will be staffed with a licensed clinician and an emergency medical technician (EMT). Tiffany Patton-Burnside, senior director of crisis services for the Chicago Department of Public Health, highlighted a critical gap in the mental healthcare system, noting that "people don't go in crisis on bankers' hours, but the ecosystem is a banker's hour system."

CARE teams will respond to both 911 calls and non-emergency assistance requests from email, actively canvassing neighborhoods for individuals in distress. Patton-Burnside described the program as providing much-needed individual attention to those seeking stability.

One of the clinicians, Melissa Arguelles DeJesus, known as "Doctor Melly," stated that the presence of mental health professionals helps calm individuals in crisis. The CARE program began as a pilot in 2021, and by the end of this year, there will be 17 teams operating citywide, including a dedicated second shift.

Residents in distress or those witnessing someone in crisis can request assistance by calling 911 or emailing [email protected] for non-emergency support, with teams expected to respond within 24 to 72 hours. The city is actively recruiting additional clinicians and EMTs to bolster the program.