Gov. Gavin Newsom’s revised budget proposal may sharply limit the reach of a statewide behavioral health program credited with improving access to emergency care.
Locally, Mobile Crisis Response Teams (MCRTs) provide support to individuals facing mental health crises, regardless of insurance or housing status. The teams include trained civilians who connect individuals to long-term mental health services while diverting law enforcement personnel who may not have the training to handle mental health emergencies.
“There have been over 32,000 calls to the Mobile Crisis Response Teams in San Diego County, and only 2% required that law enforcement also respond,” said San Diego County Sheriff Kelly Martinez…