TED Talks Daily

What if mental health workers responded to emergency calls? | Leslie Herod

Mar 15, 2021
Leslie Herod, a Colorado State Representative, advocates for a groundbreaking approach to emergency response by integrating mental health professionals into crisis situations. She discusses the limitations of traditional responses and shares successful examples from Eugene, Oregon, where dedicated mental health teams have significantly improved outcomes. Herod argues that incorporating mental health workers can reduce police brutality while fostering a more compassionate system, ultimately preventing crises from escalating into trauma or violence.
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ANECDOTE

Ride-Along Observations

  • Leslie Herod loves ride-alongs and has done them worldwide, observing people call police for various reasons.
  • Sometimes, calling 911 worsens situations, leading to arrests, fines, or even death.
INSIGHT

Alternative to Policing

  • Herod advocates for an alternative solution to address community safety and mental health crises.
  • This approach helps police focus on law enforcement.
ANECDOTE

Cahoots in Action

  • In Eugene, Oregon, Herod witnessed a mental health crisis response involving a man with box cutters.
  • The Cahoots team, including mental health professionals, de-escalated the situation and connected the man with resources.
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