In recent years, the City has created and invested in several alternative public safety response programs. Among these programs is the Community Health Access Team (CHAT). This program pairs social workers with paramedics to respond to calls where there may be a mental health, substance use, or social service-related issue along with a medical one. Team members may also help individuals refill their prescriptions and connect them with mental health or substance use treatment services.

Integrating social workers into the City’s emergency response options has reduced the need for emergency hospital admissions, diverted hundreds of calls for service away from police response, and connected individuals to long-term solutions and resources. Learn more about the City’s alternative response models by visiting tinyurl.com/slcresponders.