Phoenix Expands Emergency Mental Health Program to Handle More Calls

Behavioral health specialists in Phoenix are taking an increasing number of emergency calls instead of police officers or firefighters, according to Your Valley. The city is continuing to expand its Community Assistance Program to handle the rising demand for mental health support. [1]

Your Valley reported that the Community Assistance Program has currently reached 86 percent of its overall staffing goal. A recent group of recruits started training in August and will begin working in the field in November, while another round of recruitment is scheduled to begin later in October. [1]

The initiative also relies on peer support specialists provided through contracted organizations. Your Valley noted that these partner organizations are actively hiring additional specialists to support the Phoenix program. [1]

Phoenix is the capital of Arizona and the fifth most populous city in the United States, with a population exceeding 1.6 million residents. [2]