An Act creating a behavioral health emergency response pilot program

This bill creates a pilot program in Massachusetts to deploy behavioral health clinicians alongside police, fire, and emergency medical personnel when responding to 911 calls. The initiative requires the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, in collaboration with the Departments of Public Health and Mental Health, to manage grants and oversee the program while establishing a board of community-based organizations to guide its direction. A key provision mandates that behavioral health staff must always be accompanied by a first responder during emergency calls, and the program includes training for emergency professionals on behavioral health issues. Additionally, the bill requires the collection of detailed data on outcomes and demographics, along with an annual report to state legislative committees to evaluate the pilot's effectiveness and identify any barriers.