STRATEGIC PRIORITY: Public Safety
AGENDA DATE: October 23, 2024
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S): All
DEPARTMENT: Office of Emergency Management and Crisis Response
EXECUTIVE: Dominique Artis
______________________________________________________________________
SUBJECT
Title
Authorize a twelve-month Interlocal Agreement, with three one-year renewal options, with Dallas County Mental Health and Mental Retardation Center dba Metrocare Services to provide crisis response services for the period October 24, 2024 through October 23, 2025 - Not to exceed $529,360.00 - Financing: General Fund (subject to annual appropriations)
Body
BACKGROUND
The proposed partnership between the Office of Emergency Management & Crisis Response (ECR) and Metrocare Services focuses on enhancing community safety by providing alternative non-law enforcement responses to behavioral health crises. This collaboration aims to alleviate the burden on law enforcement by diverting behavioral health calls from the Dallas Police Department and Dallas Fire-Rescue Department to trained mental health professionals. Metrocare Services will establish a Behavioral Health Desk within the 911 Call Center to handle crisis calls and connect individuals to appropriate care, including same-day appointments, transportation, and financial assistance for urgent needs. This initiative seeks to improve the quality of life for Dallas residents by addressing the root causes of crises and ensuring continuity of care. The program will be continuously evaluated to ensure its effectiveness and efficiency in meeting the needs of the community.
PRIOR ACTION/REVIEW (COUNCIL, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS)
On August 25, 2021, the City Council authorized a fifteen-month Interlocal Agreement, with two one-year renewal options, with Dallas County Mental Health and Mental Retardation Center dba Metrocare Services to provide mobile crisis response services for the period June 1, 2021 through September 30, 2022, by Resolution No. 21-1462.
The Ci...
Click here for full text