Charlottesville and Albemarle County are stepping up efforts to support the mental well-being of residents, especially in times of crisis.
The Charlottesville-UVA-Albemarle Emergency Communications Center has added a dedicated behavioral health specialist to its team to address the escalating mental health needs in the communities.
“Stress is something we all experience in life, but that is especially true when you pick up the phone to dial 911,” said Heather Hilliard, CUA911 executive director. “CUA911 recognizes the external needs of our community in emergencies, and this new specialist is a direct response to that.
“This isn’t just about responding to emergencies; it’s about building a stronger, more resilient community where mental health is prioritized.
“Supporting and strengthening our community is a team effort, and it’s through these strong partnerships that we can collectively provide essential support to our local residents.”
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The behavioral health specialist will work with vulnerable callers, partnering with regional police agencies and alternative medical responders, such as ANCHOR and HART.
This goal is to reduce the immediate need for police intervention when possible, and allow a mental health professional to provide the response needed at that time. The new position is funded through grants from the city and county.
CUA911 handles all 911 emergency and non-emergency calls for the region, acting as the central dispatch for local police departments, rescue squads and fire services.
To learn more, please visit cua911.gov.
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Crystal Graham
