By: Elijah Jones, MSW, MEd, LISW-S, LICDC, CDP 

In the U.S., national discourse on the development of an improved crisis response system has been growing, but not enough attention has been placed on the importance of creating an equitable system. The challenge of building an equity-centered crisis system is that localized systems across the country are similarly concerned with ensuring their system is also effective and economically sustainable. Without a large system to model, smaller-scale crisis response systems are often riddled with inequity, and significant effort is required to integrate equitable practices into existing systemic frameworks. Our challenge today is to start with equity as we seek to design the ideal crisis system.

Continue reading the brief to learn more successful strategies for designing an equity-centered crisis response system!

This product was made in partnership with the Ohio Association of County Behavioral Health Authorities (OACBHA).