First responders are increasingly being called into situations involving mental illness and substance abuse. This eBook explores how the roles and responsibilities of public safety have evolved in managing mental and behavioral calls, and presents various recommendations and supporting data on how better outcomes are being achieved. We also examine the types of training (and/or lack thereof) currently available to public safety professionals and updates that are needed to better address the mental illness crisis in our communities. The eBook also touches on some of the tolls this crisis is taking on first responders, from the telecommunicator and dispatch professionals in emergency communications centers, to the police, fire, medical and other responding personnel in the field, and why it’s critical to end the stigma that often exists about asking for help. Finally, we look at various relevant initiatives underway in communities across the United States to better manage the mental health crisis at hand.
In this eBook you’ll learn:

• How the role of public safety has evolved in handling mental health crises.
• Why behavioral health training is important and how it affects call outcomes.
• How the high pressure placed on first responders effects their mental health.
• What community response programs and collaborations are forming to better address the mental health crisis.          

Download the eBook, “Reimagining the Public Safety Response to Mental Health Crisis Calls” to learn more.