The Reno City Council has recently accepted a significant donation of $25,000 from Grace Church to bolster the Reno Police Department’s Mobile Outreach Safety Team (MOST) initiative. The contribution, stemming from the church's “For the One” community mental health campaign, aims to enhance the department’s ability to respond to mental health emergencies with appropriate compassion and expertise. Ward 5 Councilmember Devon Reese expressed gratitude, saying, "I’d like to thank Grace Church for this generous donation to support the Reno Police Department’s MOST program," as reported by the city's news release.
Grace Church’s gesture stands as a testament to their commitment to community service, particularly in the realm of mental health. "Grace Church is honored to partner with the City of Reno and the Reno Police Department in support of our community,” Pastor Shane Marks told the city, noting the church’s focus on mental health through their For the One initiative over the past two years. In his statement, the pastor conveyed the church's intention that their donation represents the start of a durable, focused collaboration.
The MOST program is a collaborative effort that teams up police officers with licensed mental health professionals, better positioning them to address crisis situations involving mental health, substance use, and homelessness. The initiative not only provides immediate on-scene support but also aids in connecting individuals with necessary follow-up services. This multifaceted program, funded primarily through the city's general fund and supplemented by grants and donations, will use the newfound resources to enhance training and buy equipment that improves operations, as per the official announcement.
In tandem with the existing services, the Reno Police Department unveiled the Mental Health Online Registry (MHOR) in October 2025 to provide first responders with crucial, voluntarily submitted information regarding individuals likely to experience mental health crises. This, along with the MOST program, represents the department’s ongoing efforts to ensure effective and sensitive responses to mental health-related emergencies, as highlighted on the RPD’s website.
Those looking for more details on the operations of the Reno Police Department’s mental health initiatives like the MOST program or the MHOR database can obtain additional insight by visiting the respective pages on the Reno government’s website.
