Raleigh Takes Step Towards a Holistic Approach to Crisis Intervention: The Integration of Social Workers, Peer Support Specialists and EMS Personnel into Emergency Response Teams

Raleigh is making strides in creating an Alternate Crisis Response Program as the city continues to push forward with the initiative. Over the past few months, the city has held listening and feedback sessions and conducted extensive research to develop the program. The new team, comprised of social workers, peer support specialists, and EMS personnel, will work alongside police officers to respond to specific 911 calls. Their goal is to provide de-escalation practices and immediate attention in emergency situations.

Dorine Martin, who has spent twenty years working with mental health patients, supports this effort wholeheartedly. She believes that increasing services, reducing stigma around mental health care, and promoting overall community health are essential goals. Martin is eagerly anticipating the team’s upcoming April update to the city council.

The integration of social workers, peer support specialists, and EMS personnel into emergency response teams represents a significant shift towards a more holistic approach to crisis intervention. By combining different areas of expertise and perspectives, the program aims to address the root causes of emergencies and provide more effective and compassionate care to those in need.

For more information about the Alternate Crisis Response Program in Raleigh, click here for more details about this exciting initiative. The city’s commitment to creating a more comprehensive and supportive crisis response system is an important step towards improving mental health care and emergency services for residents.