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- 🇺🇸🤝🇸🇬 What the U.S. Can Learn From Asia’s Crisis Strategy
🇺🇸🤝🇸🇬 What the U.S. Can Learn From Asia’s Crisis Strategy
Deep Dive into Singapore's HEART Network as a new approach to behavioral health plus Lincoln fights to save its co-responder program
Hi there,
From Singapore to small-town America, new approaches to crisis response are taking shape. This week’s briefs spotlight global innovation, local tension, and the quiet heroes bridging gaps between behavioral health and public safety. Dive in—it’s a 2-minute read with a lot to say.
Today’s Brief:
Behavioral Health Briefs
🚘️ El Paso County CIT Ride Along
Devon’s Co-Responder Program Faces Backlash Amid Proposed Cuts
Lincoln Launches Co‑Responder Program to Improve Crisis Response
Social Media Briefs
Total Read Time: 2 Minutes
🧠 Behavioral Health Briefs:
🇸🇬 HEART Network Strengthens Crisis Response in Singapore
A new initiative, the HEART Professionals Network, was launched on July 16 by Singapore's Home Team, uniting psychologists, social workers, counsellors, and psychiatric associations. This coordinated alliance improves knowledge-sharing and intervention strategies to bolster the nation’s emotional and psychological preparedness during emergencies.
🌿 Robeson County’s 24/7 Behavioral Lifeline
A 24-hour behavioral health urgent care centre, backed by a US $2 million investment, is set to open in rural Robeson County by year-end. This integrated care hub aims to ease pressure on hospital ERs and provide immediate, compassionate support for mental‑health crises, from panic attacks to substance‑use stabilization.
🚘️ El Paso County CIT Ride Along:
Sponsored by: Julota
Julota empowers smarter crisis responses by simplifying and streamlining Law Enforcement and Behavioral Health programs. By integrating hospital, EMS, and social services data into a centralized platform, it enables seamless, secure, and HIPAA-compliant collaboration. Automated reporting ensures compliance, while customizable workflows address community-specific needs. With actionable insights, teams can improve outcomes and secure greater funding, making Julota the only software purpose-built to bridge law enforcement and behavioral health with compassion and efficiency. |
Devon’s long-standing fire co-responder program—where firefighters assist with emergency medical calls—may be scrapped in favor of volunteer-based responders. The proposal from South Western Ambulance Service (SWAST) has sparked intense community opposition, with residents and local officials citing numerous life-saving interventions by firefighters.
SWAST argues that community volunteers can respond faster and more cost-effectively, but councillors questioned the data, noting that firefighter co-responders typically handle more critical calls. Concerns were also raised about whether volunteers will have the same level of training or access to lifesaving equipment.
The county’s health scrutiny committee has asked for a pause on the changes and is demanding more detailed data before any decisions are finalized. A full review is expected by September.
Lincoln debuted its Co‑Responder Program in early March after three years of planning—a collaboration between CenterPointe and the Lincoln Police Department where mental‑health professionals join officers on crisis calls. In just four months, the team has responded to 153 incidents, helping to de-escalate 62% on-site and arranging safe transport for 24%, with nearly 80% volunteering to seek care.
These co-responders stay about five minutes longer per call than officers, allowing law enforcement to return to duty sooner and reducing strain on resources. Funded through October 2026 via local and federal grants, the program currently operates with two full-time clinicians and a third in training.
Lincoln Fire & Rescue has also tapped the service, expanding its reach. Early feedback from officers and community members is overwhelmingly positive, noting improved de-escalation and better connections to ongoing mental-health support.
Another Type of Heart
H.E.A.R.T. Madera, or Homeless Engagement and Assistance Response Team, is a multidisciplinary partnership that is focused on coordinated outreach and crisis intervention for those experiencing homelessness and behavioral health challenges.
— KSEE24 News (@KSEE24)
6:00 PM • Jul 20, 2025
To keep our field skills sharp, our @HCSOTexas Crisis Intervention Response Team joined @TheHarrisCenter and @houstonpolice for a collaborative training. Great discussions on scene safety and real-world scenarios. #CrisisIntervention#TrainingMatters
— Neighborhood Policing Division (@HCSO_NPD)
11:45 AM • Jul 17, 2025
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Social Media Briefs