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    AGENCY TESTIMONY
            Overview of the Behavioral Health Emergency Assistance Response Division (B-HEARD) program
0:46:13
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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
                                
                            
                            
                                            
                                            0:46:13
                                        
                                        In spring of 2021, during the COVID 19 pandemic, New York City launched a behavioral health emergency assistance response division.
                                    
                                            
                                            0:46:22
                                        
                                        As we know, it has BEHARD.
                                    
                                            
                                            0:46:24
                                        
                                        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.
                                    
                                            
                                            0:46:37
                                        
                                        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.
                                    
                                            
                                            0:46:49
                                        
                                        B.
                                    
                                            
                                            0:46:49
                                        
                                        Hertz reimagines this process enabling rapid on-site support for individuals and crisis and essential improvement in our mental healthcare system.
                                    
                                            
                                            0:46:59
                                        
                                        Now, turn to specifics on be heard.
                                    