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For 31 years,
the city of Eugene, Oregon has been saving countless lives by
de-escalating conflicts without involving armed police. It's
all based on one ingeniously simple program called "CAHOOTS,"
or Crisis Assistance Helping Out On The Streets. Under this
model, 911 calls are attended to by a very different team of
first responders: one nurse, medic, or EMT, accompanied by one
trained mental health worker. Each year, they answer tens of thousands of
emergency calls — including suicide threats, interpersonal
conflicts, welfare checks, and more — without guns or other
weapons.
And for 31 years, it's been a
massive success. Using non-violent resolution techniques,
they're saving lives and sparing police from needing
to get involved. CAHOOTS teams have only called for police
backup in fewer than 0.6% of cases, which is especially
important since 20-50% of civilian deaths during police
interactions are due, in part, to mental health challenges. On
top of that, CAHOOTS has also saved the city government
approximately $8.5 million by not relying exclusively on
police. Programs like CAHOOTS are proven,
evidence-based, and just plain good for everyone.
This model must be recreated in every major U.S. city!
Sign the petition to urge city councils in New
York, San Francisco, and Chicago to implement this program
now.
Thank you,
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Miranda
The Care2 Petitions Team
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P.S. One city
has reduced fatal encounters with police dramatically by
sending out teams of nurses and mental health crisis
counselors instead. Other cities must do the same!
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