Differences between 911 and new 988 line in Chicago - Axios ChicagoLog InLog InAxios Chicago is an Axios company.

Differences between 911 and new 988 line in Chicago

Illustration: Gabriella Turrisi/Axios Hey, it's Monica. A few weeks ago a friend called with an urgent question. What happened: She saw someone having a mental health crisis on a street in Logan Square and wanted to call for help without involving police. I advised her to call the new , but her call was routed to 911, and the police came anyway.My bad. Context: I misunderstood the role of 988 operators, who I thought could dispatch mobile help. They can't.Instead, they offer assistance to people in crisis over the phone. Why it matters: Traditional sirens and police officers aren't always the ideal solution to a mental health crisis. Police responses to such situations have sometimes But the city isn't currently set up to dispatch mental health professionals to all emergencies that could use them. The intrigue: Some emerging programs can dispatch specialists to people in crisis.The city's pilot launched last fall to dispatch mental health professionals, with or without , through 911. It currently serves Uptown, Lakeview, North Center, Auburn Gresham, Chatham, Gage Park, West Elsdon, West Lawn, Chicago Lawn and West Englewood.Officials say they have already responded to nearly 400 calls without any use of force, arrests or significant injuries to staff. What's more: A new was launched this summer by nonprofit Thresholds. Contacted through (773) 572-5464, the program can send help to three ZIP codes covering parts of Lakeview, Uptown, Andersonville and Edgewater. Yes, but: Both services are available only on weekdays during business hours, which is not the only time people go through a crisis. The big picture: Other cities are piloting similar programs while collecting data on their efficacy and potential for expansion. Get more local stories in your inbox with .Subscribe Support local journalism by becoming a member.

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