Introduction to HART Program
Harris County commissioners have voted to expand a program that addresses behavioral health and social welfare issues, aiming to reduce law enforcement intervention. The program, known as the Holistic Assistance Response Team (HART), will be expanded to serve all unincorporated parts of the county, including Houston.
What is HART Program
The HART program is an unarmed, mobile crisis response unit that provides support to individuals in need. According to Jimmy Nguyen, a crisis intervention specialist and field supervisor for the county, the program is about caring for people. "We meet people on the worst days of their lives, and we stay with them through the journey," Nguyen said. "We’re there for the crisis and we’re there for the recovery."
How HART Program Works
The HART program operates with 11 teams, each composed of one crisis intervention specialist and one licensed EMT. Since its launch in March 2022, the program has responded to over 20,000 non-violent, mental health-related 911 calls. Commissioner Rodney Ellis stated that the program is "getting people the help they need when they need it most, decreasing our jail population, helping clear court back logs and lessening the DA’s case logs, freeing up time for law enforcement and EMS for true public safety and medical emergencies which they are better equipped to handle."
Expansion of HART Program
The HART program has been operating in Precinct 1 and Precinct 4, but it is now expanding across the county. This expansion will include 16 new staff positions to support the program. Commissioner Lesley Briones emphasized the importance of providing care instead of cuffs, saying "We want to make sure we are providing care not cuffs where appropriate and in times of crisis where it has nothing to do with crime. We’re connecting people to the support they need, not booking them in our already overcrowded jail."
Benefits of HART Program
The HART program is part of Harris County Public Health and has been shown to have numerous benefits. By providing support to individuals in need, the program is reducing the number of people in jail and helping to clear court backlogs. This, in turn, is freeing up time for law enforcement and EMS to focus on true public safety and medical emergencies.
Conclusion
The expansion of the HART program is a positive step towards providing care and support to individuals in need. By reducing law enforcement intervention and providing alternative solutions, the program is helping to create a safer and more supportive community. As the program continues to grow and expand, it is likely to have a significant impact on the lives of many individuals in Harris County.
