As of the latest available data, Madison's CARES teams have responded to nearly 15,000 calls. They have assisted almost 9,000 individuals with non-violent behavioral health emergencies, according to Cityofmadison. These specialized teams offer a crucial alternative emergency service, providing on-site care where it's needed most.
The urgent demand for specialized behavioral health emergency response is immense. Yet, traditional emergency services remain the default. This often leads to less appropriate and more costly interventions for individuals in crisis.
CARES's success, strategic expansion, and proven ability to divert individuals from traditional systems suggest a clear path forward. Community-based alternative response models will likely become a standard and essential part of public safety infrastructure in forward-thinking cities.
Key Facts About CARES Madison
- CARES teams have assisted nearly 9,000 individuals since September 1, 2021, according to Cityofmadison.
- The program has surpassed 15,000 total calls for services, according to Cityofmadison.
- A CARES response pairs a community paramedic from the Madison Fire Department with a crisis worker from Journey Mental Health, according to community alternative response emergency services ....
- Nearly three-quarters (76%) of individuals assisted by CARES did not require a referral to ongoing services, according to Cityofmadison.
- CARES handled over half of Madison's mental health calls in 2022, according to Captimes.
CARES plays a significant role in Madison's emergency response landscape, demonstrating its capacity to manage a substantial portion of behavioral health incidents effectively and appropriately.
