AGENCY TESTIMONY
Implementation and operations of the B-HEARD program
0:47:03
·
114 sec
Eva Wong details the implementation and operational structure of the B-HEARD program, highlighting its innovative approach to mental health crisis response in New York City. The program combines the expertise of FDNY EMS and NYC Health and Hospitals to create interdisciplinary response teams.
- B-HEARD teams consist of two EMTs paired with a mental health professional, responding as a single unit to appropriate 911 mental health calls.
- The program aims to increase connection to community-based care, reduce unnecessary hospital transports, and minimize the use of police resources for mental health crises.
- Since the pilot's start, 44% of individuals assessed by B-HEARD teams were connected to community services instead of being taken to a hospital.
Eva Wong
0:47:03
When be heard was announced in November 2020, many across the country were grappling with how to prioritize mental health and emergency responses instead of relying solely on law enforcement.
0:47:15
New York City solution was to unite FDNY EMS and New York City Health And Hospitals, combining FDNY's emergency response expertise with health and hospitals extensive mental health services which account for over 60% of the city's behavioral healthcare.
0:47:33
The result was the creation of a new option for people in crisis, interdisciplinary teams where 2 EMTs are paired with a mental professional to respond as a single unit to 911 mental health calls that do not have violence or weapons as the primary concerns.
0:47:50
BEHARD teams have both the experience and expertise to deescalate crisis situations and respond to a full range of medical and mental problems.
0:47:58
To teens assist individuals in crisis by providing immediate health center assessments from trained medical and mental professionals.
0:48:08
The goals of the program reflect the city's commitment to ensuring the highest patient outcome.
0:48:13
Through routing 911 mental health calls to your health center be heard response whenever it is appropriate to do so, increasing connection to community based care, reducing unnecessary voluntary transport to hospitals and reducing unnecessary use of police resources.
0:48:31
A court principle of be heard is to provide community based care for individuals experiencing mental health emergencies.
0:48:38
This approach allows people to receive appropriate help at home or in the community, ensuring that only those who truly need further evaluation are transported to hospitals.
0:48:49
Since the pilot start, 44% of individuals assessed were connected to community services and stopped being taken to a hospital.
