cbsnews.com
Sacramento County Shifts Mental Health Calls from 911 to 988
Sacramento County Sheriff's Department stopped responding to non-criminal mental health calls due to a Ninth Circuit ruling, increasing reliance on the 988 lifeline, which resolves 95% of calls via counselor intervention; this policy change is prompting statewide conversations on law enforcement's role in mental health crises.
- How does the interoperability of 911 and 988 in Sacramento County contribute to a more comprehensive crisis response system?
- The shift from 911 to 988 for mental health calls in Sacramento County reflects a broader trend towards community-based crisis response. The 988 system offers 24/7 access to trained counselors via phone, text, or chat, providing a less confrontational and potentially more effective approach. However, this change highlights the need for increased resources beyond the 988 system, including non-hospital, non-jail crisis support facilities.
- What immediate impact has Sacramento County's decision to stop police response to non-criminal mental health calls had on the 988 lifeline?
- Following a Ninth Circuit ruling on qualified immunity, the Sacramento County Sheriff's Department stopped responding to non-criminal mental health calls, increasing reliance on the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. WellSpace Health, which operates the 988 lifeline, reports that 95% of calls are resolved through counselor intervention, with referrals to other services as needed. This policy change is prompting statewide conversations on law enforcement's role in mental health crises.
- What are the long-term implications of this policy change for other counties in California and nationwide, concerning mental health crisis response and law enforcement's role?
- Sacramento County's pioneering policy change, while initially raising concerns about law enforcement's absence, has spurred crucial conversations about the future of mental health crisis response. The success of the 988 system will depend on sufficient funding and resource allocation to support community-based solutions, including specialized crisis centers and sufficient staffing for the 988 lifeline. This model, once refined, could be adopted elsewhere, improving mental health outcomes nationally.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The narrative largely frames the sheriff's policy change as a positive step, emphasizing the potential benefits of 988. While acknowledging challenges, the article's focus on the optimism of Dr. Porteus might downplay potential negative consequences of the shift. The headline (if there was one) would likely significantly influence this framing bias.
Language Bias
The language used is generally neutral. While terms like "forced the issue" could be interpreted as subtly positive, there are no overtly loaded words or biased descriptions. The quotes used accurately convey the perspectives without significant alteration of tone.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the perspectives of Sheriff Cooper and Dr. Porteus, potentially omitting other relevant viewpoints such as those from individuals with lived experience of mental health crises or representatives from other agencies involved in crisis response. The lack of data on call outcomes beyond the 95% resolved by counselors could also be considered an omission.
False Dichotomy
The article doesn't explicitly present a false dichotomy, but the framing might implicitly suggest a choice between law enforcement and 988 as the primary responders, overlooking the possibility of collaborative approaches or other alternative response models.
Sustainable Development Goals
The policy change redirects non-criminal mental health calls from law enforcement to the 988 lifeline, staffed by trained crisis counselors. This ensures individuals in mental health crisis receive appropriate care, rather than potentially harmful interactions with law enforcement. The initiative also highlights efforts to build more comprehensive crisis response systems with appropriate resources.