Whereas behavioral health describes the emotions and behaviors that affect an individual’s overall well-being, including mental health disorders and substance use;

Whereas the National Institute of Mental Health estimates that more than 1 in 5 United States adults live with a mental illness;

Whereas widespread opioid use continues to impact the Nation;

Whereas behavioral health conditions may lead to homelessness, criminal charges, and arrests and have a serious negative impact on communities;

Whereas the many issues created by mental illness, substance abuse, and addiction are community problems at the local, State, and Federal levels, including for law enforcement, fire services, and emergency medical staff;

Whereas many communities have realized the need for additional resources to address these issues more effectively when individuals are experiencing crisis situations and have identified an evidence-based and effective program called Co-Response;

Whereas the co-responder model pairs law enforcement, fire services, and emergency medical staff with behavioral health professionals to intervene and respond to behavioral health-related calls for service;

Whereas these teams utilize the combined expertise of law enforcement, fire services, and emergency medical staff with behavioral health professionals to de-escalate situations and help link individuals experiencing behavioral health issues to appropriate resources in their communities including counseling, access to medications, medical assisted treatment for alcohol and drug dependency, and access to housing, food, basic necessities, and other similar resources;

Whereas co-response programs respond to thousands of emergency and non-emergency calls for service each year, providing crisis intervention services and helping people to get connected with the resources they need;

Whereas co-responders play an important role in the long-term community engagement of their agencies and help law enforcement officers effectively manage their caseload;

Whereas co-responders have shown exceptional commitment, dedication, leadership, and passion to help those in need: Now, therefore, be it