Cincinnati Emergency Communications Center and Talbert House Working Together to Provide Alternative Responses to Mental Health Crises

This July, to mark the anniversary of the adoption of 988 as the nationwide crisis number, the Cincinnati Emergency Communications Center (CECC) and Talbert House are taking an opportunity to highlight how the two organizations are working together to provide mental health resources to our community.

When the CECC launched the Alternative Response to Crisis Program in May of 2022, it also announced the start of the partnership with Talbert House Crisis Call Center. Now, two years later, the CECC, as the City’s 911 answering point, and Talbert House 281-CARE Call Center, as the local 988 answering point, have established a collaborative relationship and common protocols so that the two agencies can work together to provide the most appropriate care for callers experiencing a mental health crisis.

“Our collaborative relationship with Talbert House has allowed us to transform how we respond to mental health crises in our community,” states CECC Director Bill Vedra. “By working together, we can provide more effective and appropriate support for individuals in crisis. Our partnership underscores our commitment to the well-being of our community.”

The CECC’s 911 call-takers are able to assess all callers and situations. In cases where a caller is determined to be experiencing a mental health crisis but does not require an immediate response from law enforcement or emergency medical services, the 911 center may engage the assistance of 988 Lifeline Providers to further connect with the caller, assess risk, and provide intervention in the least invasive and most helpful way possible.

Conversely, Talbert House Call Center can engage the assistance of the CECC when emergency intervention from first responders is needed to secure the safety of a caller.

“911 calls are transferred to 281-CARE when 911 Call-Takers feel the caller would be best supported through the crisis line. Once calls are transferred, Talbert House can build a rapport and hear the concerns they have. We are trained to respond to the needs of the caller while de-escalating the need for police interaction," states Ayesha Campbell, who has been a Hotline Provider since October 2022. She is currently a Registered Applicant for her Prevention Credentials and is working on getting her Ohio Certified Prevention Specialist Assistant.

The 988-dialing code has been established by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) as the national number for suicide prevention and mental health crises.

To speak with someone immediately, call 988 or 513-221-HELP(4357) for assistance.

Call 911 to save a life, report a fire, or stop a crime.