Hogsett and first responders announce unified mental health response initiative 

Mayor Joe Hogsett, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD), Indianapolis Fire Department (IFD) and Indianapolis Emergency Medical Services (IEMS) announced the launch of a unified mental health response initiative. The initiative is designed to better serve the community and the responding personnel during mental health crises.“This partnership between so many City agencies and departments is emblematic of how we like to do things here in Indianapolis,” said Mayor Joe Hogsett. “By working together, this new unified mental health response initiative will ensure that we are able to get our neighbors the help they need, when they need it.”The response is activated when Mobile Crisis Assistance Teams or the Clinician Led Community Response teams are not available. The partnership between first responders and the Metropolitan Emergency Services Agency (MESA) will help coordinate mental health calls across first responders, focusing on safety concerns and individual needs. One agency will then take the lead with appropriate care.The unified mental health response team will determine an individual’s need for care when a mental health call is made. (Photo/IMPD)“Providing the best care for our community requires a team effort,” said Chris Bailey, IMPD chief. “By partnering with MESA, IFD and IEMS, we can effectively address challenging...