Lawrence expands Mobile Response Team's deployment to improve crisis intervention

The Board of Douglas County Commissioners convened on April 9, 2025, to discuss various initiatives and updates regarding the Mobile Response Team (MRT) and its integration with local law enforcement and emergency services. The meeting highlighted significant developments in the deployment and effectiveness of the MRT, which aims to address mental health crises in the community.

The session began with a presentation from representatives of the Lawrence Police Department (LPD) and the MRT, detailing the evolution of their collaboration. The MRT has expanded its services beyond the LPD to include other law enforcement agencies such as Baldwin, Eudora, and the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office. This expansion allows these agencies to deploy the MRT directly in response to calls that may not require traditional law enforcement intervention.

In recent months, the MRT has seen a notable increase in deployment, with an 80% rise in referrals compared to the previous year. This growth is attributed to improved access points for the community, including the 988 crisis line and non-emergency 911 calls. The team has also begun conducting follow-up care within three days of initial contact to ensure ongoing support for individuals in crisis.

A key highlight of the meeting was the introduction of radios for the MRT, which has streamlined communication between the team and law enforcement. This enhancement has reportedly improved response times and coordination during critical incidents, allowing for quicker interventions in potentially volatile situations.

The commissioners discussed the demographics of those served by the MRT, noting that many individuals are underinsured or uninsured. The team has responded to 743 deployments involving 327 unique individuals, indicating a pattern of recurring needs among certain community members. The MRT's approach emphasizes compassionate care and aims to divert individuals from emergency departments and jails, ultimately reducing the burden on these systems.

Budgetary concerns were also addressed, with the county providing a subsidy of $445,000 to support the MRT's operations. However, there are challenges ahead as state funding for the program is declining. The commissioners expressed interest in exploring partnerships with local healthcare providers to sustain and potentially expand services for underinsured populations.

The meeting concluded with a call for continued collaboration among community partners to enhance the effectiveness of the MRT and ensure that individuals in crisis receive timely and appropriate support. The commissioners acknowledged the positive feedback from first responders regarding the MRT's impact on their workload and the overall community response to mental health crises.

As the MRT continues to evolve, the board emphasized the importance of maintaining open lines of communication and adapting to the changing needs of the community. The next steps will involve further discussions on funding strategies and expanding the MRT's reach to better serve Douglas County residents.