Chicago's Crisis Assistance Response and Engagement program, which deploys trained behavioral health professionals and emergency medical technicians to mental health crises, responded to 51% more 911 calls since expanding citywide in May, according to data analyzed for the Department of Public Health.
The CARE program served more than 2,600 people from May through August, with the majority of calls coming from the Lakeview, Uptown, and Near West Side neighborhoods. To receive CARE assistance, individuals must call 911 and explicitly request the service.
The program responds to individuals experiencing mental health crises and socio-emotional distress with compassionate care, crisis intervention, and basic medical support. CARE vans carry bottled water and Subway gift cards, as well as toiletries, rain ponchos, and jackets. They also carry harm reduction kits, including Narcan, a life-saving drug used to reverse opioid overdoses.
Staff provide referrals to other programs and resources and sometimes drive individuals to food pantries and emergency shelters. The program includes bilingual staff and people of different faiths to address clients' specific needs. Staff follow up with clients after 24 hours and schedule check-ins after one week and one month.
Residents who observe someone experiencing a mental health crisis can call 911 and request the CARE team, or request a non-crisis clinician-only response citywide within 72 hours by emailing CAREprogram@CityofChicago.org. The city said it plans to expand the program to operate seven days a week, 24 hours a day.