pages: CityCouncil/2021-05-08.pdf, 7
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CityCouncil | 2021-05-08 | 7 | Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired about community based response, to which the City Manager responded community based response would be similar to CAHOOTS or the Mental Health First program. Councilmember Daysog discussed how an implementation timeline related to personnel would be helpful; expressed support for project management and something actionable; stated Council direction should request the City Manager to review different mental health models and a work plan, including models less than 24/7 versus 24/7; planning project management work would be useful for him. Councilmember Herrera Spencer stated on March 16th, Council gave direction to the City Manager to look into different models; discussed the Community Paramedicine program; inquired whether mental health calls are already being addressed by Fire; stated perhaps better coordination is needed between the Police and Community Paramedicine; Alameda Hospital could be part of the solution; the City has a good foundation; the City meets with the Hospital; she suggested adding Alameda Family Services to the meetings; something seamless could happen. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft noted Alameda Health Services (AHS) is picking up one year of costs for the Community Paramedic; discussed a conversation with AHS Chief Executive Officer. Councilmember Herrera Spencer inquired whether mental health services calls are sent to the Fire Department and whether there is coordination with the Police Department; requested an explanation of what is currently done. The Interim Fire Chief responded the vast majority of calls are 911 calls, which are received by Police Dispatch; stated Dispatch assess whether it is a Police or Fire call; Fire calls are transferred to the Fire Dispatch center, which dispatches all calls across the County; mental health crisis calls historically go to the Police Department; non-violent calls could go to the Fire Department; Fire often goes on the calls in the event the person needs transport to a facility; currently, a lot of people are transported to the John George County facility; the Police Department calls the Fire Department for transport to John George when someone is on a 5150 hold; if it is medical emergency, the Fire Department transports to the closest, most appropriate hospital; the Fire Department is currently in the second position on a call for service for a mental health crisis; he has had conversations with the Police Chief and City Manager about moving the Fire Department into the first position; provided a recent example; stated there is a possibility to dispatch non-violent calls to the Fire Department; if the situation is unstable, the Police Department might have to be called; in many cases, patients can be handled by the Fire Department; the Community Paramedic does not work 24/7, 365 days a year, but ambulances and on duty personnel are available around the clock, including on duty managers and supervisors. In response Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft's inquiry regarding mental health training, the Interim Fire Chief stated there is continuing education, which is mostly about medications and reactions; Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and Paramedics learn mental health in school; specialty education on mental health crisis issues has been offered by Alameda County Emergency Medical Services (EMS); it is a 90 hour de-escalation and crisis intervention program. Special Meeting Alameda City Council 7 May 8, 2021 | CityCouncil/2021-05-08.pdf |