Salem, OR. — The Marion County Board of Commissioners has approved a six-month pilot program with the Salem Fire Department to test a new emergency co-response model aimed at improving outcomes for individuals experiencing behavioral health and substance use crises in downtown Salem.
The initiative, operating out of Fire Station 1, will deploy a three-person team composed of an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), a paramedic, and a Qualified Mental Health Associate (QMHA) to respond directly to 911 calls where behavioral health needs are the primary concern. The team will operate 40 hours per week during peak demand hours.
“This program will fill a large gap in our current response options and will be incredibly useful for individuals facing mental health crises,” said Commissioner Danielle Bethell, Chair. “Combining medical response with behavioral health expertise can connect people to the right care at the right time and keep our other emergency resources operating as efficiently as possible.”
Previously, police or a fire engine often responded to behavioral health-related calls even when a smaller, specialized team would have been more appropriate. The co-response pilot, jointly administered by the Salem Fire Department and Marion County Health and Human Services (MCHHS), seeks to address this gap.
Key goals of the pilot include diverting non-acute behavioral health calls from traditional emergency responses, reducing repeat 911 calls through proactive outreach, expanding access to treatment including medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for substance use disorders, and exploring safe transport alternatives to crisis stabilization and sobering centers.
“This partnership is about building stronger pathways to recovery and stability,” said Commissioner Kevin Cameron. “I’m happy to see all of us come together to meet people in crisis where they are, stabilize them, and connect them to the resources they need.”
The pilot will launch early next year, with evaluations at its midpoint and conclusion. Success will be measured by reductions in repeat 911 usage, increased service connections, and feedback from both participants and first responders.
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