NOTE: This is an op-ed published by The Tulsa World (view here)
By Dee Harris, Community Advisory Board
On Oct. 10, 2018, a headline in the Tulsa World read, “Tulsa police credit Community Response Team for successful rescue of suicidal woman on Peoria overpass.”
It was a moment of hope amid what could have been a tragedy. The swift action of the Community Response Team, a mobile mental health co-responder unit, not only saved a life but also highlighted the pressing need for innovative approaches to mental health crises.
The very next day, the Tulsa Area United Way stepped up, approving Social Innovations Grant funds for the second year in a row. This crucial support allowed the team to expand its reach, from just one day to a week to two.
Today, the CRT operates five days a week, Monday through Friday.
What makes the CRT so effective is its unique composition: a blend of law enforcement, medical expertise and mental health support. Picture this: a Tulsa Police officer ensuring safety, a Tulsa Fire Department paramedic providing medical care and a mental health professional from Family & Children’s Services Community Outreach Psychiatric Emergency Services offering more care through assessment and therapeutic interventions.
Together, they form a powerhouse team dedicated to de-escalating crises and guiding individuals toward the help they need.
Initially launched as a pilot in 2017, the CRT was a direct response to the overwhelming number of mental health-related calls flooding 911 dispatch — totaling a staggering 13,000. These calls not only strained resources but also pulled crucial attention away from other urgent emergencies and crime-related incidents as fire, paramedics and police officers were frequently diverted to handle mental health crises.
The results speak for themselves.
Since 2018, the CRT has responded 3,506 individuals in crisis and 5,876 responder units have been freed up for other urgent calls. This not only ensures individuals receive appropriate care tailored to their needs but also relieves strain on Tulsa’s first responders.
Consider the scenario of the woman on the Peoria Avenue bridge. Overwhelmed by anxiety and distress, she stood on the brink of despair. In such moments, the stakes couldn’t be higher. When individuals are grappling with severe psychiatric disorders or contemplating self-harm, the need for specialized intervention becomes paramount.
Traditional emergency response systems, primarily geared towards handling physical emergencies, often fall short when faced with the complexities of mental health crises.
Without the rapid intervention of a specialized unit equipped to handle mental health crises, the outcome could have been devastating. The Tulsa World headline could have been about a tragic loss of life and the community mourning yet another life cut short by mental health struggles.
Tulsa’s CRT and similar initiatives nationwide excel by integrating mental health professionals with expertise in assessment and intervention. Their empathetic approach builds trust and fosters a supportive environment for individuals in crisis.
Through collaboration, they ensure holistic responses and connect individuals with community resources for referrals and follow-up care.
But Tulsa’s commitment to mental health doesn’t stop there. Last year, the city took more proactive steps to further enhance its co-response to mental health crises by launching two new initiatives.
The Alternative Response Team with Tulsa Fire Department is like the CRT but will handle calls without a police officer in the mix. The Integrated Response Team embeds a COPES mental health professionals in all Tulsa police divisions to help respond to calls.
Both signify a recognition of the value of co-responder models in providing targeted support to individuals in need.
I’m thrilled to see these initiatives not only expanding access to mental health services but also strengthening the bond between first responders and mental health professionals. It’s a proactive approach that demonstrates Tulsa’s dedication to improving outcomes for those in crisis.
Beyond the immediate impact, initiatives like the CRT are an investment in the long-term well-being of our community. By prioritizing mental health care and reducing strain on emergency services, they’re laying the foundation for a healthier, more resilient future.
So, let’s celebrate the successes of the CRT and advocate for their continued expansion. Because in a world where every life matters, initiatives like these are truly making a difference.
Dee Harris is the chief strategic engagement officer at Family & Children’s Services in Tulsa. She is a member of the Tulsa World Community Advisory Board.
