Today, Explained CAHOOTS
Jul 8, 2021
Rowan Moore Garrity, a journalist and author, discusses the innovative CAHOOTS program in Eugene, Oregon. This mobile crisis response service assists individuals in mental health emergencies, providing compassionate care without police involvement. Garrity highlights how CAHOOTS focuses on de-escalation and community connection, showcasing its effectiveness compared to traditional policing. The conversation also explores the collaboration between CAHOOTS and local police, revealing both benefits and tensions in redefining emergency response.
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CAHOOTS Overview
- CAHOOTS is a mobile crisis response service integrated into Eugene, Oregon's 911 system.
- It handles mental health crises, intoxication, domestic disputes, and other situations, often diverting calls from police.
CAHOOTS Name Origin
- CAHOOTS, a program of White Bird Clinic, reflects the clinic's counterculture roots.
- The name, initially a joke, highlights its collaborative yet distinct relationship with police.
CAHOOTS Team Composition and Services
- CAHOOTS teams consist of a medic and a crisis worker who provide a range of services.
- These services include first aid, de-escalation, and addressing various crises like mental health episodes or domestic disputes.
