Cleveland Heights has recently joined the “First Call” program, which pairs mental health professionals with police or fire departments responding to mental health crises. The program has been successful in Shaker Heights, where it has been running for the past two years. Annette Amistadi, a social worker from Shaker Heights, highlighted the importance of having the right personnel respond to emergency situations.
The “First Call” program is expanding to include five cities: Shaker Heights, South Euclid, University Heights, Cleveland Heights, and Richmond Heights. The program will begin in these new cities by early summer. Amistadi explained how the program works, with first responders ensuring the scene is safe before mental health professionals assist in deescalation. In Shaker Heights alone, the program received 645 referrals last year.
Cleveland Heights Mayor Kahlil Seren emphasized the need for this program in his city, stating that there are people in need of help. With the expansion, there will be four new mental health professionals and three peer support workers to cover the increased area. The team will work together to assess problems, determine necessary steps, and provide ongoing care to prevent future crises.
The success seen in Shaker Heights has encouraged other cities to join the “First Call” program, which aims to provide much-needed support to those facing mental health crises in their communities.
