Brooke Buettner advocates for House Bill 1811 to enhance crisis response in North King County

In a powerful appeal for support, Brooke Buettner, director of the Regional Crisis Response Agency, highlighted the transformative impact of their crisis intervention model during a recent Senate Health & Long-Term Care meeting. Serving five cities in North King County—Shoreline, Lake Forest Park, Kenmore, Bothell, and Kirkland—Buettner's team responds to high-acuity 911 calls that previously would have been handled by police.

Buettner emphasized the importance of their approach, which focuses on de-escalation, assessment, and referral to community services, particularly for individuals experiencing behavioral health crises. "We have shown a 68% reduction in jail bookings and a 44% reduction in crisis service events," she reported, underscoring the program's effectiveness in reducing emergency department admissions and increasing engagement with behavioral health services.

The agency has garnered broad support from elected officials, law enforcement, and community members, especially those who have experienced crises themselves. Buettner urged lawmakers to support House Bill 1811, which aims to expand alternative behavioral health crisis responses across other jurisdictions. "This is an effective intervention delivered at the moment people need it most," she stated, calling for a reimagining of first response to ensure that individuals receive the right resources at the right time.

As the meeting concluded, the significance of Buettner's message resonated, highlighting a critical shift towards prioritizing mental health in emergency response systems. The anticipated support for House Bill 1811 could pave the way for broader implementation of similar programs, ultimately enhancing community care for those in crisis.