Marion County Teams Expand 988 Response Capacity and Interoperability Discussions

During a recent meeting of the Public Safety & Criminal Justice Committee in Indianapolis, discussions centered on the city's mobile crisis response teams and their capacity to handle emergency calls. The committee explored the relationship between the 911 emergency system and the newer 988 mental health crisis line, highlighting the need for better integration between the two services.

Council members raised questions about the operational dynamics of the Mobile Crisis Response Teams (MCRTs), the Community Liaison Crisis Response (CLCR) team, and the Mobile Crisis Assessment Team (MCAT). It was clarified that while the CLCR and MCAT primarily respond to 911 calls, the MCRTs are dedicated to handling 988 calls. This distinction is crucial as it reflects the evolving approach to mental health emergencies, aiming to divert non-violent situations away from traditional law enforcement responses.

Dr. Christine Neggendank, president of Adult and Child, emphasized that there is ample capacity within the four agencies involved in mobile crisis response to take on more calls. She noted ongoing efforts at the state level to advocate for interoperability between 911 and 988, citing successful models from other states like Missouri. This collaboration aims to ensure that residents receive appropriate care based on their needs, rather than defaulting to the traditional 911 system for all emergencies.

The committee also acknowledged the importance of community organizing in securing funding for these services. A $1 million allocation, which stemmed from grassroots advocacy efforts, is now being utilized to enhance mental health crisis response in Marion County. This funding is seen as a significant step towards improving public safety and mental health support in the community.

As the meeting concluded, members expressed a commitment to continue exploring ways to optimize the mobile crisis response system, ensuring that residents receive timely and appropriate assistance. The discussions underscored a broader goal of integrating mental health services into the emergency response framework, ultimately aiming to better serve the community's needs.