The Hampton Division of Fire and Rescue has announced a collaboration with the Hampton-Newport News Community Services Board and Sentara Health to introduce the Community Assistance Response (CARES) Team. This specialized unit is designed to address calls involving non-violent individuals experiencing behavioral or mental health crises.
The initiative will see a behavioral health crisis clinician from the community services board paired with an emergency medical responder from the fire division. Together, they will respond to 911 calls related to mental health crises. The primary aim is to reduce police involvement in such emergencies by de-escalating situations and connecting individuals with appropriate care and services.
The CARES Team will operate from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays, with potential for expanded hours based on operational data and community needs.
This program builds upon procedures established in 2020 when Governor Ralph Northam signed legislation creating the Marcus Alert, which addresses emergency calls concerning mental health, substance abuse, or developmental disabilities.
