Apply Now: Community Responder/Crisis System Learning Community

This learning community is open to teams that are in the planning or early implementation phase of developing a community responder program in their community. For the purposes of this application, we define community responder programs as: teams staffed by social workers, peers, mediators, EMTs, or paramedics. These teams provide a range of services including immediate assistance to people experiencing behavioral health (i.e., mental health and substance use) crises, wellness checks, assistance with housing needs, and additional low-level calls for service. 

• Planning phase: A jurisdiction in its PLANNING phase has decided that a community responder program is appropriate to meet its needs and is taking steps to eventually implement the program. The jurisdiction should have a designated “point person” whose job consists of relaying the information learned during community listening sessions into clear and identifiable goals for the program. 
• Early implementation phase: A jurisdiction in its EARLY IMPLEMENTATION phase has secured funding for its community responder program and designated a program manager to work with the advisory group. 

Unsure about what phase your community responder team is in? Use the Expanding First Response Assessment Tool to help identify your community’s phase, whether it’s in exploration, planning, early implementation, pilot, or fully operational. 

Applicants must have a shared team vision to use alternative approaches to community members in crisis due to poverty, substance use, and mental health in lieu of a law enforcement response.   

Applicants must participate as an interdisciplinary team, with each team including representatives such as (1) a behavioral health/public health representative; (2) a first responder (from law enforcement, fire, dispatch, emergency medical services); (3) a representative from community-based programs such as recovery services, peer supports, or shelter/ housing; (4) a community representative; and (5) a local city/county staff person or elected official. In addition to these team members, applicants are encouraged to include a community member or family member who has experienced or been impacted by substance use, mental health, or incarceration.