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Lancaster’s mobile mental‑health response team reports rising referrals and on‑scene success stories
Summary
Darlin Campos of the Lancaster mobile assessment response team reported the program has handled hundreds of referrals since launch, with staff describing rapid on‑scene interventions, follow‑up case management and a goal of reducing 911 and ER usage for mental‑health crises.
Lancaster’s contracted mobile assessment response team, operated in partnership with Parkland Health Systems and Biotel, has expanded operations and reported increased referrals during a June 17 work session, city staff and the team’s program manager said.
“My name is Darlin Campos. I am the ... program manager for the Lancaster mobile assessment response team,” Campos told council, describing the two‑person model — a paramedic and a social worker — that responds to mental‑health and psychosocial calls in the community. She read a detailed success story in which the team responded within 90 minutes to a resident’s urgent email and coordinated benefits, medical appointments and housing supports so that the resident’s immediate needs were resolved within a week.
Campos presented utilization numbers: during the six months of FY2023 the team recorded 131 client contacts; FY2024 year‑to‑date referrals increased to 422 for the current reporting period and the speaker cited a cumulative total of 553 referrals since program inception. She told council the team works weekdays roughly 2 p.m.–10 p.m., is housed in the library offices and is available by phone and email for referrals.
The presentation emphasized referral sources (police, self, fire and community members), the team’s access to Parkland’s Epic records and the program’s aim to reduce 911 and ER usage for mental‑health calls. Campos cited research summarized during the presentation that similar co‑response teams have reported on‑scene resolution rates up to 81% and reductions in recurrent 911 calls of about 45%.
Council members praised the team’s responsiveness and asked about funding continuity; staff clarified the program is supported in the city’s FY2022–23 general government budget rather than by CARES funds and said a staff position will be created to help sustain the program. No formal council action was taken; staff will continue monitoring operations and return to council as needed.
