I wish there were some service I could call in between 911 and... nothing. If I call 311 it almost always results in a call to 911, because they can’t do anything.
However, I worry about the safety of these mental health workers. I don’t know how they are going to do this safely.
Isn't the point of 911 that they dispatch the appropriate service? It seems like the real problem is that there aren't less-extreme responders, which this initiative is trying to fix. I want there to be only 911, and I want them to figure out who to send. People shouldn't be second guessing who to call, they should call the "I need help" number.
I could see where having something like a 311 might make sense, but it should just redirect to the same call center too. It'd help remove hesitation on calling.
You can call the relevant agency directly. Similar to calling the police station for non-emergency calls instead of 911. Of course it depends on the specifics of any given scenario.
> You can call the relevant agency directly. Similar to calling the police station for non-emergency calls instead of 911.
that's not a meaningful distinction in a lot of places. 911 and the "non-emergency" number around here go to exactly the same pool of people. there's maybe just some small difference in the prioritization of the calls.
the only other published numbers are for administrative offices that are open 8-5, and rings the same desk you find yourself at if you walk into the lobby of the administrative building. they take lunch breaks, and there's usually just one person there working first-come first-serve.
Sure, it depends on where you are, who you are trying to contact, and how urgent the situation is. I'm just saying it can be an option. I've done this.
However, I worry about the safety of these mental health workers. I don’t know how they are going to do this safely.