The “First Call” program, which pairs mental health professionals with police or fire departments responding to mental health crises, is expanding to include five cities in Cuyahoga County. Shaker Heights has been participating in this program for the past two years and has seen great success. Annette Amistadi, a social worker from Shaker Heights, emphasized the importance of having the right personnel respond to emergency situations.
Cleveland Heights Mayor Kahlil Seren stated that there are people in his city who are in need of help and that the expansion of the program will provide much-needed support to those facing mental health crises in the communities. With the addition of four new mental health professionals and three peer support workers, the team will work together to assess problems, determine necessary steps, and provide ongoing care to prevent future crises.
The “First Call” program is set to begin in the new cities by early summer, providing a valuable resource for those in need of immediate assistance during a mental health crisis. The success seen in Shaker Heights has encouraged other cities to join and expand the program’s reach.
