Tulsa's Art 1 and Art 2 tackle mental health crises and homelessness with innovative approaches

In a recent meeting of the Tulsa Authority for Economic Opportunity and the Tulsa Development Authority, significant strides were discussed regarding mental health and community support through innovative emergency response programs. The focus was on the Alternate Response Teams (ART), which aim to address the growing need for mental and behavioral health services in Tulsa.

The first team, ART 1, is a co-response unit that includes a firefighter paramedic trained in crisis intervention and a licensed counselor from Family and Children's Services. This team responds to mental health crises across the city, particularly assisting individuals aged 18 to 45, with about 20% of their calls involving unhoused individuals. The program has been recognized for its proactive approach, addressing the needs of those who frequently call 911 for help, and providing immediate medical evaluations and psychological support.

ART 1 not only responds to emergencies but also connects individuals to social services, focusing on improving their overall life situations. The team emphasizes a continuum of care, ensuring that follow-up support is provided after the initial response. This approach helps maintain relationships with vulnerable populations, ensuring their ongoing needs are met.

The second team, ART 2, operates similarly but is stationed in Downtown Tulsa. This unit is staffed with community paramedics who conduct wellness checks and outreach services, ensuring that both housed and unhoused individuals receive necessary health assessments and support. They provide essential services like blood pressure checks and medication management, while also helping individuals navigate housing and food resources.

Both ART teams have demonstrated significant impact by spending quality time with individuals in crisis, fostering trust, and facilitating access to vital services. The meeting highlighted the importance of these programs in relieving pressure on traditional emergency services, allowing them to focus on critical incidents while ensuring that mental health and social service needs are addressed.

As Tulsa continues to innovate in its approach to community health, the success of the ART programs may serve as a model for other cities looking to enhance their emergency response systems and better support their residents. The ongoing commitment to mental health and social services reflects a broader goal of improving the quality of life for all Tulsa residents, particularly the most vulnerable.