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Residents urge county to expand 24/7 unarmed crisis response and bolster neighborhood disaster preparedness
Summary
Public commenters at the Durham County Commissioners work session urged the county to expand the 'Heart' unarmed crisis response into a 24/7 service and into schools, and asked for stronger neighborhood disaster‑preparedness outreach and coordination with County Emergency Management.
Several residents used the public‑comment period to press the commissioners for expanded mental‑health crisis services and better disaster readiness in vulnerable neighborhoods. Brandon Love, who identified himself as “a native son of the Bull City,” urged the county to make Heart a 24/7, unarmed response that meets people “no matter their hour,” arguing that crises “don’t have business hours.”
Shanice Hamilton, an organizer with the Have a Heart Coalition, described a personal school incident that led to police involvement and said school‑based alternatives are needed. She asked the board to explore an interlocal agreement with the city and Durham Public Schools to bring Heart into classrooms. James Chavis, speaking for a new disaster‑preparedness committee, asked county staff and emergency management to engage face‑to‑face in neighborhoods that have limited access to preparedness information.
Commissioners pledged follow‑up: a county staffer said emergency management would coordinate attendance at community meetings and County Manager Hager indicated staff would provide details where requested. The board did not take formal action during the work session but several commissioners said they would keep the items on their radar for future agenda action.
