A Report Card for the State’s New Crisis Care System

The Community Policing and Behavioral Health Advisory Council, charged by the MA Legislature to “study and make recommendations for creating a crisis response and continuity of care system that delivers alternative emergency services and programs across the commonwealth,” is seeking public feedback regarding their report, Crisis Services in the Commonwealth.

The report runs 50 pages and is available in the button below. Findings start on page 33 and include discussion about peer support, workforce capacity, cross system communication, and transportation. The Recommendations begin on page 40 and include specifying a single entity to enhance cross-sector collaboration, creating a statewide behavioral health workforce strategy, standardizing training across stakeholders, establishing a framework for call triage, and maintaining cross-system data collection standards.

The public is invited to attend a virtual hearing on Wednesday, December 13th, 11am -12 noon and share their comments about the report or experiences within the system including 988, the MA Behavioral Health Help Line, Community Behavioral Health Centers, Hospital Emergency Departments, and Mobile Crisis response. Launch the virtual meeting here: Virtual Public Hearing Zoom Launch.

In addition to attending a hearing, or as an alternative to attending, members of the public may submit comments by email to CrisisServicesStudy@umassmed.edu. Please attach written testimony as either an attached Word or PDF document or as text within the body of the email with "Crisis System Report” in the subject line. All written testimony must include the sender’s full name, mailing address, and organization or affiliation. Written testimony will be accepted through 5 pm on January 3, 2024.