Chicago is proactively addressing mental health emergencies with an innovative approach: the Crisis Assistance Response and Engagement (CARE) Program. This specialized initiative dispatches teams consisting of mental health professionals and Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) to respond to mental health crisis calls, offering an alternative to traditional police or firefighter responses. Operating in select districts between 10:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., the Care Program Chicago is demonstrating a promising model for crisis intervention.
The CARE Program Chicago distinguishes itself by sending unarmed responders equipped to de-escalate situations and provide immediate support. Ashley Robinson, a 911 dispatcher and EMT on the District 1 CARE team, emphasizes the unique resources they carry. “We have blankets for those who are cold… We have the basic essentials – Narcan, fentanyl strips, underwear, socks, toiletries, because a lot of people need toiletries,” she explains, highlighting the program’s focus on holistic care. These teams are deployed to low-risk emergency calls where a mental health component is identified by dispatchers.
The primary goal of the CARE Program Chicago is to de-escalate tense situations and prevent tragic outcomes. Tiffany Patton-Burnside, Senior Director of Crisis Services at the Chicago Department of Public Health, points out the program’s effectiveness in challenging scenarios. “We typically do not respond to calls where individuals have weapons, but there’s times where we don’t know, and we were told that there weren’t, and when we get on scene that they are, and we’ve been able to work with individuals who may have had that happen, and were able to de-escalate, defuse the situation,” she states. In just four weeks, the CARE team responded to 60 mental health calls, offering crucial intervention and support.
The impact of the CARE Program Chicago is evident in its data. Between September 2021 and September 2024, the program responded to over 1,500 calls, achieving zero arrests and use of force in less than 0.1% of incidents. Deputy Mayor of Community Safety Garien Gatewood emphasizes the significance of these results: “It shows that this model can work.” This success has led to the city’s commitment to expand the CARE program from four to six police districts, with aspirations for citywide coverage and 24/7 availability.
A distinctive feature of the CARE Program Chicago is its follow-up care. Teams proactively check in with individuals they assist a day, a week, and a month later to ensure they receive ongoing support and resources. This continuous engagement underscores the program’s dedication to long-term well-being and community care. As Chicago expands the CARE Program, it sets a precedent for mental health crisis response, prioritizing care and de-escalation over traditional law enforcement interventions. The CARE Program Chicago represents a vital step towards a more compassionate and effective approach to mental health within the city.
