The Alternative Response Team project, which involves social workers and paramedics responding to mental health calls in the community, has been met with approval from law enforcement officials. Inspector Elliot Faust stated that getting the program up and running was a significant effort, and they are seeing positive outcomes from it. The data collected so far indicates that the program is making a real impact.
The new model allows Hennepin County social workers and North Memorial Health paramedics to respond to these calls either with or instead of police officers. The partnership between healthcare and law enforcement officials was announced a year ago, and the program was initially set to end on December 31, 2024. However, the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners recently extended the timeline through the end of 2026.
Faust expressed enthusiasm about the extension and highlighted the decrease in mental health calls received by the police department for the first time in years. After a steady increase in mental health calls over the past five years, there was a drop from 1,291 calls in 2022 to 1,096 calls in 2023. Faust acknowledged that it is too early to establish a direct causal link, but there is definitely a correlation between the work of the Alternative Response Team and the decline in calls.
Looking ahead, Faust hopes to expand the unit’s operating hours beyond regular business hours to accommodate high demand for their services. He emphasized that this initiative needs to continue moving forward.
Furthermore, Inspector Faust expressed excitement about how successful this alternative response team has been in addressing mental health crises within our community. He praised both Hennepin County social workers and North Memorial Health paramedics for their hard work and dedication towards improving public safety.
With this extension of timeline through December 31st of 2026, it means that we can expect more progress from this team as they continue working tirelessly towards providing better care for those who need it most. This project not only benefits our community but also sets an example for other cities around nation on how collaboration between healthcare professionals can lead towards safer communities.
Overall, this article highlights an important initiative that has had significant impact on reducing mental health-related calls received by law enforcement agencies in Minneapolis area thanks to joint efforts between social workers and paramedics under Alternative Response Team project which will continue expanding its services beyond regular business hours as per Inspector Elliot Faust’s statement.