ORLANDO, Fla. — For the last seven months, a pilot program in the city of Orlando has helped those with mental health issues.
Instead of sending police officers to certain calls, mental health counselors de-escalate the situation and provide services that people may not be able to get for themselves.
>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<
The community response team’s pilot program, which launched in 2021, has so far helped 549 citizens in Orlando.
Well-being checks were added in July and the city is exploring the possibility of sending CRT members out with the fire department to overdose calls.
The Orlando Police Department said about 50% of the people helped follow through with appointments for care.
This browser does not support the video element.
Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.