CAHOOTS: A Compassionate Crisis Response System
CAHOOTS, which stands for Crisis Assistance Helping Out On The Streets, is a unique program that blends mental health support with emergency response services. It was developed in Eugene, Oregon, and has gained recognition for its effective approach in handling crises, especially those related to mental health. In this blog, we’ll explore how CAHOOTS operates, its benefits, and some real-life examples that illustrate its impact.
What is CAHOOTS?
CAHOOTS is a mobile crisis unit that dispatches a medic and a mental health professional to the scene when someone is in crisis. Instead of the typical police response, CAHOOTS focuses on providing immediate mental health support.
How Does CAHOOTS Work?
- Emergency Call: When a person experiences a crisis, a call is made to 911 or a local crisis number.
- Dispatching CAHOOTS: Instead of sending police, CAHOOTS is dispatched based on the nature of the call.
- On-Site Support: The team arrives on-site and assesses the situation, providing the necessary support, whether it’s medical attention or emotional care.
- Follow-Up Care: They often connect individuals with ongoing mental health resources to ensure continued support.
Types of Crises Addressed by CAHOOTS
CAHOOTS handles a variety of situations, including:
- Mental Health Crises: Anxiety attacks, depression episodes, suicidal thoughts.
- Substance Abuse Issues: Overdoses or intoxication where medical attention is needed.
- Homelessness: Offering resources and assistance for those living on the streets.
Comparison with Traditional Emergency Response
| Aspect | CAHOOTS | Traditional Police Response |
|---|---|---|
| Team Composition | Medic + Mental Health Professional | Police Officers |
| Focus | Mental Health and Support | Law Enforcement |
| Outcome Goal | Stabilization and Support | Law and Order |
| Response Time | Often quicker for mental health | Varies |
Real-Life Examples of CAHOOTS in Action
Example 1: A young man experiences a panic attack in public. Instead of sending police, the CAHOOTS team arrives, calms him down, and helps him understand his feelings. They then connect him with a therapist for ongoing support.
Example 2: An individual on the streets shows signs of severe depression and is not eating. CAHOOTS responds, provides immediate care, and connects him to a shelter and mental health services for rehabilitation.
Benefits of the CAHOOTS Model
- Reduced Arrests: CAHOOTS helps minimize unnecessary police involvement, reducing arrests for non-violent offenses.
- Community Trust: By focusing on care, not law enforcement, CAHOOTS fosters trust within the community.
- Cost-Effective: Utilizing mental health professionals can save cities money on emergency services and incarceration.
Conclusion
While this blog does not provide a conclusion, it's important to recognize that the CAHOOTS model showcases how compassionate, mental health-focused responses can effectively address crises in a way that benefits individuals and the community as a whole.