AGENCY TESTIMONY
Overview of the Behavioral Health Emergency Assistance Response Division (B-HEARD) program
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49 sec
Eva Wong provides an overview of the Behavioral Health Emergency Assistance Response Division (B-HEARD) program, launched in spring 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic. B-HEARD represents a significant shift in New York City's approach to mental health crisis response, moving away from solely police and EMS-based responses.
- B-HEARD aims to provide a health-centered response to 911 mental health calls.
- The program is designed to offer rapid on-site support for individuals in crisis, improving the city's mental healthcare system.
- B-HEARD represents a reimagining of the mental health crisis response process, offering alternatives to hospital transports.
Eva Wong
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In spring of 2021, during the COVID 19 pandemic, New York City launched a behavioral health emergency assistance response division.
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As we know, it has BEHARD.
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As a health center response to 911 mental health calls, BEHARD has since become an integral part of the city's crisis response and mental health care system, transforming emergency mental responses.
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Previously, 911 mental health calls were handled solely by NYPD and FDNY EMS, often resulting in hospital transports which were the only treatment option available.
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B.
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Hertz reimagines this process enabling rapid on-site support for individuals and crisis and essential improvement in our mental healthcare system.
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Now, turn to specifics on be heard.
