SA City's Pilot Program to Address Mental Health Calls

San Antonio TX

27 March, 2022

2:24 PM

Description

Press release from the City of San Antonio: Monday, March 21, 2022 CONTACT: Victor Landa, 210-884-3429 [email protected] SAN ANTONIO (March 21, 2022) –The City Council's Public Safety Committee was briefed today on the implementation of the San Antonio Community Outreach & Resiliency Effort (SACORE) pilot program which is part of the City's effort to address foundational issues, community expectations, community input, and service alternatives of the police department. SACORE is a Multidisciplinary Team that will address mental health calls as they are received at the City's 9-1-1 center. "This is a solid first step to find alternative police responses that fit San Antonio," said Public Safety Chair Melissa Cabello Havrda. "This pilot program is a direct result of a community-wide conversation that began in the summer of 2020." According to Center for Health Care Services director Jelynne LeBlanc Jamison 1 in 5 people in Bexar County have a mental disorder and 1 in 20 have a serious mental disorder. "This has serious consequences when it comes to police response to emergencies," said the Councilwoman. "The Public Safety Committee is committed to finding the right balance of police and mental health responses that fit the City's police and community needs." The one-year pilot program will soft launch on April 4th and fully launch on April 18th. Today the team began with the first of a five-day training period for SACORE team members who will respond to emergencies involving mental health. The Public Safety Committee will oversee the implementation of the SACORE Pilot Program and will receive briefings as the program proceeds. This press release was produced by the City of San Antonio. The views expressed here are the author's own.