Cleveland is taking a proactive approach to improving its response to mental health crises by investing over $800,000 in the Connect and Protect program. With funding from a federal grant, The Cleveland Foundation, and matching funds from the city, this initiative aims to add two mental health clinicians to the dispatch center in the first year, with the goal of three clinicians in the third year.
The program will focus on providing mental health training for all dispatchers, who will be able to transfer low-level crisis calls to clinicians. These clinicians can provide support and de-escalate situations over the phone, potentially reducing unnecessary police responses and ensuring callers receive appropriate mental health resources.
The grant will also fund salaries for clinician dispatchers as they work to improve the city’s response to mental health crises. By working with mental health clinicians, dispatchers can ensure that callers get the support they need in a timely and efficient manner.
As part of this initiative, Cleveland is finalizing its plan for the new program, including setting salaries for clinician dispatchers. The goal is to improve the city’s response to mental health crises, reduce the burden on law enforcement and ensure that individuals in crisis receive the care and support they need.