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Item 3.
 
City Council Work Session
Date: 02/05/2024
Title: Crisis Response Unit and Mobile Response Unit Update
Presented by: Jason Banfield, Assistant Fire Chief
Department: Fire
Presentation: Yes
Legal Review: Not Applicable
Project Number: N/A

RECOMMENDATION

Continued support of the Crisis Response Unit.
 

BACKGROUND (Consistency with Adopted Plans and Policies, if applicable)

The Mobile Crisis Response Unit (CRU) is a partnership between the Billings Fire Department and Rimrock Foundation for responding to emergent behavioral health incidents within the BFD's response area, dispatched through the 9-1-1 Center. The CRU team may also respond to non-emergency calls (e.g. welfare checks) as directed. The CRU team will also offer timely follow-up and connection to community resources, usually within 48 hours of the initial call. This team will provide assessments, stabilization, and referrals for a behavioral health-related continuum of care. The purpose of the CRU is to rapidly respond, effectively screen, and provide early intervention to individuals experiencing mental health crises.

We will update Billings City Council on the public-private partnership with Rimrock Foundation. The Crisis Response Unit Program has been implemented for approximately four months. Community partners such as Billings Police Department, AMR, and both hospitals have been included in briefings and the services that are available. We will be sharing call volume and success stories.
 

STAKEHOLDERS

All community members.

ALTERNATIVES

City Council may:
  • Approve; or,
  • Not Approve

FISCAL EFFECTS

The CHEG (COVID-19 Health Equity Grant) grant will cover the costs of EMS providers' wages until May of 2024.