Chicago’s Got More Options When Calling 911

When someone picks up the phone to call 911 during a mental health crisis, WHO shows up can make all the difference. Since 2021, a Chicago program has been deploying social workers instead of law enforcement to non-violent mental health incidents. It’s called the Crisis Assistance Response and Engagement program (CARE), and now it's expanding to serve ALL of Chicago. So, what does that expansion actually mean for residents, emergency response times and mental health care in this city? In the Loop sits down with Arturo Carrillo, Chicago’s deputy mayor of health and human services, and Tiffany Patton-Burnside, senior director of crisis services at CARE. For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop .