Eugene leaders are planning a new service in the city that would take the pressure off paramedics and police officers who respond to people suffering from mental health or drug addiction crises.
The people in crisis would fit a certain criteria: They need a connection to a shelter, recovery services or other help — not an ambulance trip to the hospital or a ride in a police car to jail.
The plan comes after Eugene conducted an analysis of its needs after CAHOOTS stopped operating in Eugene in April, citing financial reasons and ending its more than three decades of operation. Through CAHOOTS, two-person teams helped thousands in the city navigate through crises and access alternative services other than a hospital emergency room or jail cell…