Mental Health Crisis Response: Dispatching Professionals Instead of Police.
This bill establishes a federal grant program to fund states and local governments to hire and dispatch mental health professionals as first responders during mental health emergencies. The goal is to ensure individuals in crisis receive appropriate care, reduce police use of force, and decrease the incarceration and death rates of people with mental illnesses or disabilities. The focus is on connecting citizens with voluntary community support services rather than institutionalization or jail.
Key points
Trained mental health professionals will be dispatched instead of law enforcement officers during mental health crises reported via 911 or 988.
The program aims to significantly reduce arrests, deaths, and the use of force against individuals experiencing mental health or substance use crises.
Grants can be revoked if the programs lead to a significant increase in incarceration or institutionalization, ensuring the focus remains on community-based solutions.
The Act authorizes $250 million over five years to fund these new crisis response models.
Expired
Citizen Poll