The Marion County Board of Commissioners has approved a six-month pilot program with the Salem Fire Department to launch a new emergency co-response model aimed at improving outcomes for people experiencing behavioral health and substance use crises in downtown Salem.
Based out of Fire Station 1, the program will pair an Emergency Medical Technician and paramedic with a Qualified Mental Health Associate to respond to 911 calls primarily involving mental health needs. The new model is designed to bridge a gap where police or fire crews have typically responded to situations better served by behavioral health professionals.
“I think this program will fill a large gap in our current response options and will be incredibly useful for individuals facing mental health crises,” said Commission Chair Danielle Bethell. “Combining medical response with behavioral health expertise can connect people to the right care at the right time and keep our other emergency resources operating efficiently.”
The three-person team will operate 40 hours per week during peak demand hours and will be jointly managed by the Salem Fire Department and Marion County Health and Human Services.
Key goals of the pilot include diverting non-acute behavioral health calls from traditional fire and EMS response, reducing repeat 911 calls through proactive outreach, expanding access to treatment—including medication-assisted treatment—and exploring safe transport alternatives to crisis centers and sobering facilities.
“This partnership is about building stronger pathways to recovery and stability,” said Commissioner Kevin Cameron. “I’m happy to see all of us come together to meet people in crisis where they are, stabilize them, and connect them to the resources they need.”
The program is set to begin early next year and will be evaluated midway and at the end of the pilot, measuring outcomes such as reductions in repeat 911 calls, successful service connections, and feedback from participants and responders.
