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The Alameda CARE Team launches before the winter holidays

Published on December 06, 2021

The City of Alameda is pleased to announce that it is launching a different way of responding to calls for service involving individuals experiencing a mental health crisis. Starting December 16, the Alameda CARE Team (Community Assessment Response & Engagement), led by the Alameda Fire Department (AFD), will provide a 24/7 alternative response to nonviolent, noncriminal individuals facing a mental health crisis.

If you are experiencing an emergency, always call 911.
If you are in crisis or see someone who may be in crisis, call 911 or call 510-337-8340, the police non-emergency line, and explain the current situation so our dispatchers can determine if the CARE Team is the appropriate resource to send.

When the CARE Team is dispatched, first responders will arrive in a low-profile program-branded vehicle outfitted for this work. The CARE Team will triage and assess clients in order to assist them with navigating the best path forward in obtaining needed services.

Prior to launching, nine AFD staff received program specific mental health responder training and crisis intervention behavioral health training. These initial nine AFD personnel have been assigned to this pilot program and will be serving in the role of CARE Team paramedic. They will be partnered with firefighter emergency medical technicians (EMTs) when serving the community. During this pilot, the CARE Team will provide mental health response coverage 24-hours a day, 7-days a week. Alameda Family Services has been contracted by the City to provide case consultation for the field units, clinical field response when needed, and case management/follow-up support for Care Team clients.

Developing options to shift certain responsibility for managing mental health crises from the Police Department to non-police agencies is a recommendation of the community-led committees on police reform and racial equity. At its March 16, 2021 meeting, the Alameda City Council unanimously approved moving forward with this program and a series of recommendations. The Alameda CARE Team is also supported by Alameda County Behavioral Health Care Services and the Alameda County Emergency Medical Services Agency.

A celebration of the Alameda CARE Team will take place in early January. More information will be shared on the City’s website at www.alamedaca.gov.