KEY TAKEAWAYS: The Mobile Crisis Intervention Unit responded to 3,769 behavioral health calls in 2025, averaging a 17-minute response time. The program diverted nearly 40% of mental health calls from police, fire and EMS and completed 87% of behavioral health handoffs. More than 450 crises wer e resolved on-site without requiring transport to a hospital or other facility, and the program achieved a 75% follow-up success rate. Since launching in June 2023, the program has increased call volume by 54% and now operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.   The New Orleans Office of Health Human Services says its Mobile Crisis Intervention Unit responded to 3,769 behavioral health-related calls in 2025, expanding the city’s use of civilian mental health professionals to respond to nonviolent crises while reducing demands on hospitals and traditional first responders. According to the city, the Mobile Crisis Intervention Unit, or MCIU, has increased call volume by 54% since launching in June 2023 and now serves as a fourth component of New Orleans’ emergency response system alongside police, fire and emergency medical services for behavioral health incidents that do not involve weapons or violence. The city reported the team averaged a 17-minute response time in 2025 and diverted nearly 40% of mental health-related calls away from other first responder agencies. Officials said the program also completed behavioral health handoffs in 87% of applicable cases, allowing the New Orleans Police Department, New Orleans Fire Department and New Orleans Emergency Medical Services to return to other emergency calls more quickly. The Mobile Crisis Intervention Unit consists of behavioral health professionals who respond to individuals experiencing mental health crises, providing on-site de-escalation, assessment and stabilization while connecting patients with community-based services. According to the city, the approach often avoids unnecessary hospitalization. City officials said the program successfully resolved more than 450 incidents in the community without requiring transport to an emergency department or another facility. The city also reported a 75% patient follow-up success rate. “When someone is experiencing a mental health crisis, they deserve care—not more barriers. Our Mobile Crisis Intervention Unit is connecting people to the help they need while easing the burden on our hospitals and first responders,” said Dr. Jennifer Avegno, deputy mayor of the New Orleans Office of Health Human Services. “It’s a great example of what can happen when healthcare providers, community partners, and the city work together to support our residents.” The city said the program works closely with University Medical Center New Orleans, which operates a 60-bed inpatient behavioral health unit for patients requiring hospitalization. Officials said the partnership helps direct patients to appropriate levels of care while reducing congestion in emergency departments. “Having trained mental health professionals respond to behavioral health crises ensures individuals receive the specialized, compassionate care they need while reducing the burden on other first responder agencies,” said Dr. Jeffrey Elder, chief medical officer at University Medical Center New Orleans. “Just as importantly, these teams help connect people to the right services and support, improving outcomes for patients and our community.” According to the city, resolving behavioral health crises in the community allows police officers to remain available for higher-priority public safety calls, reduces unnecessary emergency department visits and lowers emergency response costs while connecting residents with clinical care rather than the criminal justice system. “Public safety is about connecting people with the right response at the right time. When trained mental health professionals can safely respond, officers remain available for emergencies while individuals in crisis receive the specialized care they deserve,” said Officer Reese Harper, director of communications and department spokesperson for the New Orleans Police Department. Unlike many similar programs nationwide, the city said the Mobile Crisis Intervention Unit operates around the clock, providing 24-hour service every day of the year. Officials said the program reflects the city’s continued investment in community-based behavioral health services and alternative emergency response models. Click here to read the report. ...read more read less