Oklahoma City has taken significant strides in addressing mental health crises through its Mobile Integrated Healthcare (MIH) program. In its first year, the MIH team has responded to thousands of 911 calls related to mental health and substance use, deploying clinicians, peer specialists, and paramedics instead of traditional law enforcement officers. This approach aims to de-escalate situations and provide appropriate care, reducing the burden on police resources and improving outcomes for individuals in crisis.
The MIH program comprises four specialized squads: Crisis Call Diversion, Crisis Response, Alternative Response, and the Community Advocacy Program. Each squad plays a vital role in ensuring that residents receive timely and effective support during mental health emergencies. The initiative has already demonstrated success in decreasing the time officers spend on behavioral health incidents and facilitating connections to follow-up care for those in need.
City officials plan to highlight the program’s achievements at a public panel and resource fair later this month, emphasizing the importance of community-based solutions in mental health crisis intervention. This proactive approach reflects Oklahoma City’s commitment to enhancing public safety and well-being through innovative and compassionate strategies.