The coalition was launched in 2020 by LSU Health Shreveport and aims to develop a community-based mental health crisis response system that ensures public safety, provides effective treatment to those in need, and provides an alternative to arrest or hospitalization .

(MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES IN ARKLATEX)

LSUHS officials say many 911 calls involve non-criminal concerns, but police officers are routinely dispatched to respond to those calls, leading to a potentially harmful outcome. National data shows that 53%-75% of 911 calls do not involve a medical emergency or criminal behavior and therefore can be resolved by civilian-led responders. This could benefit those with behavioral health needs, as traditional first responders may be unable to provide this type of care. 911 calls involving behavioral health issues typically end in incarceration or hospitalization.

PREVIOUS REPORTING – Breaking down: The frontline response to mental health crisis

Specifically, in Caddo Parish, LSUHS says 299,939 emergency calls were made to 911 in 2023. Each of those calls requires police and medical response, but many do not involve criminal behavior or medical needs. This places a burden on first responders and further demonstrates the need for a mobile crisis response team to help reduce the strain on first responders.

CADA was chosen to provide mobile crisis response in Northwest Louisiana, which includes Bienville, Bossier, Caddo, Claiborne, DeSoto, Natchitoches, Red River, Sabine and Webster parishes.

To promote the use of CADA services, LSUHS initiated the Crisis Response Leadership Summit led by Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux and LSUHS Chancellor Dr. David Guzick. The purpose of this summit is to strengthen the crisis response partnership.

Copyright 2024 KSLA. All rights reserved.