Advocates urge Philadelphia to fully fund CMCRT mobile crisis response expansion

In a recent meeting of the Joint Committees on Public Safety and Public Health and Human Services, Philadelphia City Council members discussed the urgent need for enhanced funding and resources for mobile crisis response programs, particularly the Clinician Managed Crisis Response Team (CMCRT). Advocates emphasized that clinician-led initiatives yield better outcomes for individuals in crisis compared to traditional police-led responses, which can escalate tensions and lead to violence.

Testimonies highlighted the fragility of human life and the necessity of compassionate support during emergencies. One speaker passionately argued that just as society would not expect someone suffering a heart attack to manage alone, individuals facing mental health crises should not be left without immediate help. The call for action was clear: fully fund and expand the CMCRT to ensure that when residents are in dire need, there is a reliable support system in place.

The meeting also addressed the need for increased awareness of the CMCRT program. Many individuals have reported suffering in silence due to fear of police involvement when calling for help. Advocates urged the city to promote the program more effectively, ensuring that residents know they have alternatives to traditional emergency services.

Additionally, there was a strong recommendation for the Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services (DBHIDS) to expedite the expansion of crisis response services. A proposed budget increase from $10 million to $20 million was discussed to enable provider agencies to hire more staff and meet the growing demand for mental health support.

As the meeting concluded, the emphasis remained on the importance of creating a robust, city-supported infrastructure for mental health crisis intervention. The council's commitment to these initiatives could significantly impact the lives of many Philadelphians, providing them with the necessary resources and support during their most vulnerable moments.