The Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute, Dallas Fire-Rescue Department, Dallas Police Department, and Parkland Health & Hospital System today announced the launch of the Rapid Integrated Group Healthcare Team Care (RIGHT) pilot program, which will provide a comprehensive emergency response to calls involving behavioral health emergencies.

This program is considered a first of its kind in the state of Texas. The RIGHT Care Program includes specially trained and equipped police officers, paramedics, and mental health professionals who will respond as a team to safely and effectively manage patients experiencing behavioral emergencies. In addition, a Parkland mental health clinician will also be housed in the 911-call center to monitor calls and serve as a liaison to Dallas officers across the city.  Chief  U. Renee Hall said, “This partnership exemplifies the service first mission of the Dallas Police Department and the City of Dallas. With police, fire, and hospital personnel working together on the RIGHT Care program, we are able to provide the best service to our community.” The program is scheduled to launch January 29, 2018.

The first phase of this program is made possible thanks to a grant from the W.W. Caruth Jr. Foundation at Communities Foundation of Texas (Caruth). Also, we would like to thank the DFW Metropolitan New Car Dealers Association for generously donating a response vehicle for the RIGHT Care team.