CAHOOTS (crisis response)

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CAHOOTS (Crisis Assistance Helping Out On The Streets)

CAHOOTS, short for Crisis Assistance Helping Out On The Streets, is a specialized crisis intervention program that operates in the city of Eugene, Oregon and the surrounding area. Established in 1989, CAHOOTS is a unique collaboration between the White Bird Clinic and the City of Eugene, providing a non-police response to a variety of crises, including mental health emergencies, substance abuse issues, and homelessness.

History

The CAHOOTS program was founded in response to the growing need for alternative crisis intervention services in Eugene. Recognizing that many emergency situations did not require a law enforcement response, the White Bird Clinic partnered with the city to create a team of specially trained crisis workers who could provide immediate assistance to individuals in distress.

Services

CAHOOTS teams are composed of a crisis worker and a medic, who are trained to assess and respond to a wide range of crises. These teams are available 24/7 and can be dispatched through the local emergency dispatch system. Some of the services provided by CAHOOTS include:

• Mental health crisis intervention
• Substance abuse support
• Homeless outreach
• Basic medical care
• Transportation to shelters or other services

Impact

Since its inception, CAHOOTS has proven to be a successful and cost-effective alternative to traditional emergency response services. By diverting non-violent and non-criminal calls away from law enforcement, CAHOOTS has helped reduce the burden on the police department and emergency medical services. Additionally, the program has been praised for its compassionate and non-judgmental approach to crisis intervention.

Expansion

Due to the success of the CAHOOTS program in Eugene, similar initiatives have been launched in other cities across the United States. These programs, often inspired by the CAHOOTS model, aim to provide more appropriate and effective responses to individuals experiencing crises in their communities.