Co-Responder Programs Reduce Arrests, Improve Access to Services
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 15, 2021
Co-responder programs that pair police officers and behavioral health clinicians are successfully diverting people in crisis from the criminal justice system and connecting them to services, according to a new evaluation. The study, funded by the Colorado Department of Human Services’ Office of Behavioral Health (OBH) and conducted by the Colorado Health Institute (CHI), gave insights on how Colorado’s co-responder programs are successfully reaching people with behavioral health needs in their communities.
Co-responder teams specialize in de-escalating situations and connecting those in crisis to appropriate treatment and services. Among more than 25,900 calls fielded by OBH-funded co-responder teams between July 2020 and June 2021, 98% avoided arrest, according to OBH data. In that same timeframe, co-responders provided some form of service to individuals on 86% of active calls, including behavioral health assessments and referrals to community resources. Read this fact sheet for more information on call outcomes.
Read the press release by the Colorado Department of Human Services.
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Co-responder programs pair law enforcement and behavioral health specialists to respond to mental health and substance use calls and conduct an immediate behavioral health assessment. There are 28 OBH-funded programs statewide, covering 24 counties and more than 80 communities. More than 70 law enforcement agencies participate statewide.
About the Colorado Health Institute
The Colorado Health Institute is a nonprofit and independent health policy research organization. CHI believes that good health policy leads to a healthier Colorado. Every day we bring research, insight, and expertise to leaders across the state, because informed decisions lead to better health for all.
Contact for the Colorado Department of Human Services
Madlynn Ruble, deputy director of communications, madlynn.ruble@state.co.us or 303.866.3411
Contact for the Colorado Health Institute
Joe Hanel, communications director, hanelj@coloradohealthinstitute.org or 720.382.7093