As communities across the nation mark National Co-Responder and Crisis Responder Week (Sept. 14–20), Round Rock is highlighting its own team of first responders specifically equipped to handle mental health crises.
Formed in 2022, the City of Round Rock’s Crisis Response Unit, a division within the Round Rock Fire Department, consists of licensed behavioral health clinicians, case managers and paramedics with advanced mental health training, and is tasked with assessing, supporting and stabilizing those in crisis.
“Our Crisis Response Unit delivers a dedicated, highly trained response for individuals experiencing behavioral health crises,” said CRU Program Manager Annie Burwell. “By responding directly to these calls, we allow fire, EMS, and police to remain available for other emergencies, while still collaborating and co-responding with them when our expertise is needed.
“We believe crisis response should send the best professional for the situation at hand. This model ensures the best possible outcomes for community members in crisis and represents a responsible use of taxpayer dollars.”
Over the past year, CRU responded to 1,715 crisis calls – helping an average of about 80 people each month. In many of those situations, the team was able to stabilize individuals on site, preventing 102 unnecessary trips to local emergency rooms. Each response typically lasted about an hour, allowing police officers and firefighters to stay available for other emergencies while the CRU provided the specialized care needed. Calls spanned all ages – from children to senior citizens – and included military veterans and homeless individuals.
The team also distributed 192 naloxone kits – an FDA-approved medication used to reverse opioid overdoses – and conducted post-overdose follow-ups.
CRU staff stays connected to patients by providing follow-up care over the course of 90 days or longer, coordinating appointments, housing, benefits and other services to ensure ongoing support.
However, the team’s impact extends beyond those in crisis. The Crisis Response Unit provides training on behavioral health emergencies, medications and more, often to city staff and other area partners. CRU team members also recently presented at a national co-responder conference in Atlanta.
To learn more about the CRU and how to access naloxone kits, visit www.roundrocktexas.gov/cru.
