PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. — In a landmark collaboration effort, Calvert’s Board of County Commissioners voted to integrate 988, 911, and the mobile crisis team (MCT) in an effort to get people experiencing mental health crises the help they need, when they need it.
988 is a crisis hotline number that connects callers with the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and its local affiliates. Calvert’s MCT, which consists of a medical provider, counselor and peer recovery specialist, has the ability to respond to locations within Calvert County. The MCT was launched in response to the many calls received by 911 regarding mental and behavioral health crises. The idea is that the MCT can respond to those calls rather than police officers.
The integration means that the two numbers — 911 (Calvert County, Maryland Division of Emergency Communications) and 988 (Community Crisis Services Inc.) — will work together to serve the community. So, if a person calls 911 with a non-life-threatening mental or behavioral health crisis, that call will be diverted to 988, which will determine if the MCT is appropriate.
The official memorandum lays out the duties of local law enforcement, the MCT team, 911, and 988 during emergency response situations. The effort is to ensure cohesiveness between first responders and to make sure people get the best possible outcome no matter the reason for their call.
Communications Chief Stanley Harris explained during the July 15 meeting that each component plays a unique role: 988 provides immediate emotional support and triages crises with trained mental health counselors; 911 addresses emergencies requiring law enforcement, fire or medical services; and MCT delivers on-site, specialized care.
“By integrating these systems, individuals in crisis can be connected to the most appropriate resources without delays or unnecessary involvement of first responders,” Harris said.
He also added that this will reduce the burden on 911 and lessen the risk of 911 calls turning negative.
Board members were in full support of the initiative.
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how are these 3 digit #s created? Because (drum roll, please) we have a need for 3 digit #s for other things, so how are they created?