In a pivotal meeting held at Austin City Hall, city officials gathered to discuss the launch of the Austin Field Integrated Response Support Team, known as the Austin First pilot program. This innovative initiative aims to address high-acuity mental health crises through a multidisciplinary approach, combining the expertise of paramedics, mental health clinicians, and law enforcement officers.

Dr. Mark Escoff, the city’s chief medical officer, introduced the program, emphasizing its goal to minimize adverse outcomes associated with traditional emergency responses. The program is a response to the growing recognition of the need for specialized care in mental health emergencies, particularly those involving individuals at high risk of harm.

Integral Care's Chief Operations Officer, Dawn Hanley, highlighted the collaborative efforts that have been in place since 2013, noting that this pilot builds on existing partnerships with first responders. The team will focus on high-intensity calls, aiming to provide immediate, compassionate care while reducing the need for police involvement in mental health crises.

The pilot program is set to launch in mid-October, operating in the downtown area of Austin, where data indicates a high concentration of mental health emergencies. The team will work Monday through Thursday, from 8 AM to 6 PM, during peak times for such incidents. This strategic timing is based on extensive data analysis, ensuring that resources are deployed where they are most needed.

Throughout the meeting, officials expressed optimism about the potential impact of the program. They discussed the importance of ongoing training and data collection to refine the approach and improve outcomes. The pilot will be evaluated over six months, with plans to report findings to the city council, potentially paving the way for broader implementation.

As the city grapples with the complexities of mental health crises, the Austin First program represents a significant step toward a more integrated and compassionate response, aiming to transform how the community addresses these urgent needs. The collaborative effort underscores a commitment to not only respond to crises but to prevent them through proactive engagement and support.