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County explores EMS-led behavioral-health co-responder program and quick-turn state grant
Summary
EMS and sheriff staff proposed a crisis co-responder model (EMS clinician paired with behavioral-health clinician) and plan to apply for an urgent state grant (competitive, ~$1M awards) to fund initial operations; staff estimate an enterprise-scale program could cost roughly $1.6M/year and stressed a phased approach.
Grand County public-safety and health partners described plans to stand up an EMS-centered behavioral-health co-responder that would pair an EMS clinician (paramedic/EMT with extra behavioral-health training) with a social-worker or crisis clinician to respond to behavioral health calls instead of sending officers or full ambulances in all cases.
EMS billing and operations staff said the model could be scaled from a single pilot team to multiple teams on 24/7 schedules. "Our three-team cost estimate is approximately $1,600,000 per year," the EMS presenter said during the budget session, then emphasized the county should pursue state and philanthropic grants for launch support. Commissioners and the sheriff urged applying for a near-term state funding opportunity (the Lieutenant Governor's Office eHealth Innovation 'fire-sale' grants) that was announced with a quick deadline.
Participants said funding sustainability would require a mosaic of sources: one-time grant awards, contributions from partner agencies, Medicare/Medicaid/BHA (Behavioral Health Administration) fee-for-service reimbursements and philanthropic support. The sheriff underscored the community need and the goal to decriminalize mental-health crises by routing people to clinical care rather than jail or emergency departments.
