The Madison Community Alternative Response Emergency Services (CARES) program responded to its 10,000th call for service last week, a milestone that further cements the program’s place as a valued service in our community. The 10,000th response was achieved on Tuesday, July 22, 2025.
CARES specializes in responding to non-violent behavioral health emergencies that previously would have been dispatched to law enforcement and/or EMS. CARES teams are comprised of one Madison Fire Department Community Paramedic partnered with one Journey Mental Health Crisis Worker. Each team has completed extensive training in crisis intervention, cultural competency, de-escalation, suicide prevention and risk assessment, trauma-informed care, and more.
Since its inception in September 2021, CARES has been warmly embraced by the community and recognized for its effectiveness in connecting people with appropriate mental health resources while diverting individuals from emergency rooms and jails…