Abridge from the Sacramento Bee, “Encounter someone in a mental health crisis? Here are non-police numbers to call in Sacramento” September 14, 2021
SACRAMENTO CITY’S DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY RESPONSE
In the wake of the George Floyd police killing in Minneapolis, the city created the Department of Community Response to respond to certain noncriminal 911 calls, shifting them away from police. The department, which was proposed by Mayor Darrell Steinberg, started responding to the scenes of noncriminal calls involving homeless individuals about 45 days ago, said Bridgette Dean, department director.
The team currently consists of five city employees and about 10 people from nonprofit Hope Cooperative, Dean said. None of them are law enforcement personnel. They work from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. They respond to calls as quickly as possible, but it’s not always immediate. When the city hires more staff for the department, they will be able to expand the hours and respond more quickly, Dean said.
People can request Department of Community Response service by calling 311 or by visiting the 311 website.
MENTAL HEALTH FIRST SACRAMENTO
This mobile peer support team responds to mental health crises, including psychiatric emergencies, substance use support and domestic violence situations that require victim extraction. The team has grown to more than 100 trained volunteers and is planning to expand.
The team is available Friday through Sunday from 7 p.m. through 7 a.m.
Call or text 916-670-4062
or send a message to @MHFirstSac on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.
SERVICES FOR YOUTH
The Sacramento Children’s Home runs a 24/7 crisis hotline called The Source. The Source serves young people up to age 26 and their caregivers. Priority is given to current and former foster youth and their caregivers.
Call or text 916-787-7678
Sacramento County’s Division of Behavioral Health Services has a program called Youth Health Network. It provides support to youth ages 16 to 25. It is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Call or text 916-860-9819.
COUNTY’S COMMUNITY SUPPORT TEAM
Sacramento County’s Division of Behavioral Services runs a Community Support Team. The team consists of peer support specialists with lived experience. They respond to calls by providing field-based assessments, helping people access services, and helping them reduce risks and stressors. The team works from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Call 916-874-6015.