Starting Monday, those who call 911 emergency in Phoenix will be asked if they need mental health services.
Instead of just asking if emergency callers need police officers or fire fighters, Phoenix 911 dispatchers are now also asking if people need help with behavioral health.
The goal is to reduce unnecessary responses by police and fire.
So if a caller only needs help with mental health, they’re transferred to a special dispatcher, who then sends out staff from the Community Assistance Program, which includes mental health units and crisis response teams.
In a statement, Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego said the change makes the city safer and ensures the right experts are sent to help people.
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