In Clark County, a new approach to handling mental health emergencies is making a significant difference. Last year, a dedicated team responded to 911 calls about possible mental health crises. This effort aimed to ease the pressure on medical services and reduce hospitalizations.
Typically, emergency calls related to mental health issues, classified as Card 25 calls by the Clark County Fire Department, had a high hospitalization rate of 82% based on nearly 10,000 responses. However, a pilot program that started in 2024 brought this rate down to just 30% for the calls it managed. This pilot involved a social worker, a paramedic, and an emergency medical technician, who responded to 758 Card 25 calls.
Commissioner Justin Jones highlighted these encouraging results during a presentation in January. He emphasized the importance of this pilot program, suggesting it could receive permanent funding of $1.5 million annually. “This program is vital,” he said, and emphasized its potential to improve how the county handles other emergencies as well.
There’s already a proven model in place. Cities like Las Vegas have effective crisis response teams, and the county used a $535,000 federal grant to form its team, which operated daily for six months. This team worked closely with a new Crisis Stabilization Center, which opened in summer 2023. This 17,000-square-foot facility offers outpatient treatment for those facing mental health or substance abuse issues. It aims to meet urgent needs without overwhelming emergency rooms.
Data from the pilot program shows promise. As Commissioner Jones put it, “It has proven to be a successful model for connecting people in crisis with the help they need.” Ongoing discussions could expand this service further, demonstrating Clark County’s commitment to innovative mental health support.
A growing body of research supports the effectiveness of community-based mental health programs. According to a report by the National Institute of Mental Health, early intervention programs can significantly reduce the need for emergency care and hospitalizations. This aligns with the positive outcomes seen in Clark County’s pilot program.
As mental health awareness increases, community-driven solutions like these are becoming vital. They address pressing needs and create a supportive environment for those in distress.
For more on mental health initiatives and support resources, check out the National Institute of Mental Health here.
