Pilot Program To Strengthen Crisis Response Planned By Marion County And Salem Fire Department
- 11/04/25
SALEM, OR — Today, the Marion County Board of Commissioners approved a six-month pilot program with the Salem Fire Department to launch a new emergency co-response model in downtown Salem through Fire Station 1 to improve outcomes for individuals experiencing behavioral health and substance use crises.
The program will group an Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) and paramedic with a Qualified Mental Health Associate (QMHA) to respond directly to 911 calls where behavioral health needs are the primary concern. The goal is for the response model to cover the gap where previously police, or a fire engine, would respond when the need is strictly for a mental health crisis that could be served by a smaller team made of professionals best prepared to serve the needs of the person in crisis.
“I think this program will fill a large gap in our current response options and will be incredibly useful for individuals facing mental health crises,” said Commissioner Danielle Bethell, Chair. “Combining medical response with behavioral health expertise can connect people to the right care at the right time and keep our other emergency resources operating as efficiently as possible.”
The three-person team will operate 40 hours per week during peak demand hours. The program will be jointly administered by the Salem Fire Department and Marion County Health and Human Services (MCHHS).
Key listed goals of the pilot include:
- Diverting non-acute behavioral health calls from traditional EMS and fire responses
- Reducing repeat 911 calls by engaging high utilizers with proactive outreach
- Expanding access to treatment, including medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for substance use disorders
- Exploring safe transport alternatives to crisis stabilization units, sobering centers, and other appropriate destinations
“This partnership is about building stronger pathways to recovery and stability,” said Commissioner Kevin Cameron. “I’m happy to see all of us come together to meet people in crisis where they are, stabilize them, and connect them to the resources they need.”
The pilot program is planned to launch early next year and will be evaluated at its midpoint and conclusion, with outcomes measured by reductions in repeat 911 usage, successful service connections, and feedback from participants and first responders.
Pilot Program To Strengthen Crisis Response Planned By Marion County And Salem Fire Department
- 11/04/25
SALEM, OR — Today, the Marion County Board of Commissioners approved a six-month pilot program with the Salem Fire Department to launch a new emergency co-response model in downtown Salem through Fire Station 1 to improve outcomes for individuals experiencing behavioral health and substance use crises.
The program will group an Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) and paramedic with a Qualified Mental Health Associate (QMHA) to respond directly to 911 calls where behavioral health needs are the primary concern. The goal is for the response model to cover the gap where previously police, or a fire engine, would respond when the need is strictly for a mental health crisis that could be served by a smaller team made of professionals best prepared to serve the needs of the person in crisis.
“I think this program will fill a large gap in our current response options and will be incredibly useful for individuals facing mental health crises,” said Commissioner Danielle Bethell, Chair. “Combining medical response with behavioral health expertise can connect people to the right care at the right time and keep our other emergency resources operating as efficiently as possible.”
The three-person team will operate 40 hours per week during peak demand hours. The program will be jointly administered by the Salem Fire Department and Marion County Health and Human Services (MCHHS).
Key listed goals of the pilot include:
- Diverting non-acute behavioral health calls from traditional EMS and fire responses
- Reducing repeat 911 calls by engaging high utilizers with proactive outreach
- Expanding access to treatment, including medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for substance use disorders
- Exploring safe transport alternatives to crisis stabilization units, sobering centers, and other appropriate destinations
“This partnership is about building stronger pathways to recovery and stability,” said Commissioner Kevin Cameron. “I’m happy to see all of us come together to meet people in crisis where they are, stabilize them, and connect them to the resources they need.”
The pilot program is planned to launch early next year and will be evaluated at its midpoint and conclusion, with outcomes measured by reductions in repeat 911 usage, successful service connections, and feedback from participants and first responders.