WHEREAS, In July of 2022, a national mental health crisis hotline was launched to assist in the ongoing mental health crisis. The Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual Disability Services then launched a conducive mobile mental health crisis unit that assists in calls pertaining to mental health; and
WHEREAS, These units provide on-site care and intervention to individuals struggling with mental health concerns. Mental health crises are a significant public safety concern, and effective response mechanisms are crucial for the well-being of individuals and communities; and
WHEREAS, One in 4 people shot by the police were experiencing a mental health crisis at the time of the shooting. Mobile mental health crisis units have proven to be a valuable resource in addressing mental health emergencies by providing immediate, on-site care and intervention, thus potentially reducing the need for police involvement and hospitalization; and
WHEREAS, When used in tandem with the national mental health crisis hotline “988” or the local Philadelphia crisis hotline, one in ten calls lead to a dispatch of the mobile mental health unit; and
WHEREAS, Currently, there are an array of providers in Philadelphia that possess multiple mobile units to assist in cases of mental health crisis. With an increase in mental health related calls, these mobile units serve as reinforcement and an essential resource for the community at large; and
WHEREAS, In light of the increasing demand for effective mental health crisis interventions, it is imperative to conduct a joint hearing to thoroughly investigate the efficacy of mobile mental health crisis units; and
WHEREAS, These units, designed to provide immediate, on-site support for individuals experiencing mental health emergencies, have emerged as a promising solution to address the gaps in traditional mental health care and emergency response systems. A comprehensive review involving both legislative and health oversight committees will ensure a multidimensional evaluation of their impact on patient outcomes, resource utilization, and overall public safety. Such an investigation will provide critical insights into the successes and challenges of these units, facilitating informed policy decisions and resource allocation to enhance their effectiveness and sustainability; and
WHEREAS, The joint Committees on Public Safety and Public Health and Human Services should hold a joint hearing to investigate the effectiveness and potential expansion of mobile mental health units; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Authorizes the Committees on Public Safety and Public Health and Human Services to hold hearings to investigate the effectiveness and potential expansion of mobile mental health units.
End