Portland has taken a new step to tackle its mental health crisis with the expansion of the Portland Street Response program, which now features extended hours and a dedicated new phone number. Starting from October 1, Portlanders in need of mental health or behavioral crisis assistance can reach out to the service between 6 a.m. and midnight every day of the week by dialing either 911 or the new number, 503-823-7773. These calls will be fielded by trained 911 operators who can then deploy the proper resources, as reported by Portland Street Response.
The new system is set to more efficiently serve individuals who find themselves checked down, in an active crisis, at risk of exposure due to inappropriate clothing for weather conditions, seeking support with resources without having phone access, or wishing to reconnect with the Street Response team after prior interactions. However, it’s critical to remember to only utilize the emergency 911 service for situations posing an immediate threat to life or property.
However, the Portland Street Response team has made it clear that their services have certain limitations. They are not equipped to safely handle cases where individuals are actively suicidal, exhibiting violent behavior, brandishing weapons, or when calls come from third parties regarding homeless encampments that lack indicators of a crisis. Also, third-party requests for supplies or referrals without crisis indicators fall outside their mandate.
This expansion aims to provide a better safety net for one of the city's most vulnerable populations. "Portland Street Response is available to respond to individuals who are: Down and not checked; In active crisis-yelling, crying, agitated, disorganized (odd or repetitive) behavior, talking to unseen others, etc.," according to the Portland Street Response news release. The service emphasizes its commitment to being a helping hand for those struggling to navigate the complexities of mental and behavioral health challenges, endeavoring to significantly improve outcomes for residents in need.
