Something Big is Coming for U.S. Crisis Responders...

Today’s Brief:

• Co-Responder Briefs

• Richmond Takes Bold Step in Fighting Opioid Crisis with New City Office

• Kansas City Redefines Public Safety Ahead of 2026 World Cup

• Social Media Briefs

  Total Read Time: 2 Minutes

👮 Co-Responder Briefs

Kansas explores mobile units and co-responder models to enhance MOUD access

At the July 11, 2025 Kansas Fights Addiction Grant Review Board meeting, experts emphasized that Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) — especially when paired with behavioral support — is the most effective way to reduce overdose deaths, though its use remains limited in the state. The board recommended engaging primary care providers and pharmacists, expanding mobile MOUD units beyond the single current vehicle, and establishing co-responder teams that pair behavioral health professionals with first responders to improve overdose outcomes

Lincoln co‑responder program partners mental health experts with law enforcement

Lincoln, Nebraska’s Police Department and CenterPointe launched a co-responder team in early March 2025, embedding master’s-level behavioral health professionals alongside officers to respond to mental health calls. Funded by federal and local grants, the program has already responded to dozens of calls—helping to de-escalate crises on-scene, reduce unnecessary hospitalizations, and connect individuals with ongoing care .

Ohio county expands co‑responder teams for mental health and addiction crises

Cuyahoga County is extending its First CALL co-responder initiative into Parma and Parma Heights, where licensed social workers will now accompany police, fire, and EMS crews on 911 calls related to mental health or substance use. Since its 2022 launch in Shaker Heights, the program has addressed over 2,000 crises, and county leaders are seeking $3.5 million in opioid settlement funds to scale the model across all 59 municipalities

Sponsored by: Julota

👮 Richmond Takes Bold Step in Fighting Opioid Crisis with New City Office

Richmond has announced a bold new initiative with the launch of the Office of Opioid and Substance Use Response (OOSUR), set to become the city’s central hub for combating substance use disorders. Housed within the Human Services Portfolio, OOSUR will coordinate prevention, treatment, and recovery efforts across city agencies and with local partners, aiming to bring a compassionate and data-driven strategy to the opioid crisis.

Mayor Danny Avula highlighted that this step reflects Richmond’s commitment to equity, harm reduction, and long-term healing for all residents. The office will promote public education campaigns, expand harm reduction resources like naloxone, and strengthen data collection to refine citywide response efforts. Leading the charge is Anna Jones, a seasoned Licensed Clinical Social Worker, joined by an expert team dedicated to effective, humane solutions. This new office reaffirms Richmond’s dedication to public health, racial equity, and community resilience

👮 Kansas City Redefines Public Safety Ahead of 2026 World Cup

Kansas City and its neighboring communities are reimagining public safety—and with the 2026 World Cup set to draw an estimated 650,000 visitors, these efforts are ramping up. Panelists at a recent forum stressed that safety now means more than just policing; it’s about holistic well-being, community engagement, and addressing issues like mental health, affordable housing, and neighborhood infrastructure. Cities like Lenexa and Overland Park are building trust through deeper relationships between officers and residents, innovative public education efforts, and new facilities designed for both officer wellness and community connection.

Kansas City’s three-tiered approach includes data-driven policing, robust outreach by specialized officers and social workers, and focused deterrence to reduce violent crime. Mental health support—for both the public and law enforcement—is taking center stage, with new spaces and resources to help officers manage the stress of the job. As the region prepares for the global spotlight of the World Cup, leaders emphasize proactive collaboration, community-driven strategies, and a shared vision for a safer, more welcoming city.