In a recent meeting of the Miami-Dade County Behavioral Health Advisory Board, discussions centered around the effectiveness of the Mobile Response Team (MRT) and its impact on community safety and mental health interventions. The meeting, held on July 29, 2025, highlighted the importance of tracking injuries and outcomes related to mental health crises, particularly in the context of police involvement.

One of the key points raised was the need for better data on injuries to civilians during interventions. Board members expressed concern that without proper tracking, it is difficult to assess whether the MRT's presence reduces injuries or arrests during crisis situations. A representative from the MRT reported that in the two years since the program's inception, there have been no arrests or injuries among the individuals served, a statistic that was met with approval from the board.

The MRT primarily receives calls through a dedicated hotline and from Miami-Dade County Public Schools, with law enforcement also reaching out for assistance. A significant development discussed was the partnership with the City of Miami Police Department, which has implemented a co-responder model. This innovative approach pairs a law enforcement officer with a clinician to respond to crisis calls, resulting in a dramatic decrease in the number of individuals subjected to involuntary Baker Acts—from 90% to 30%—within just one month of operation.

Board members emphasized the importance of not only immediate intervention but also the continuity of care for individuals after the initial response. Peer specialists play a crucial role in this process, following up with clients to ensure they attend subsequent appointments and receive ongoing support. The board underscored the necessity of tracking these transitions to ensure individuals are linked to appropriate long-term care services.

As the meeting concluded, there was a collective recognition of the need for comprehensive data collection to evaluate the effectiveness of these interventions. The board expressed a commitment to enhancing tracking mechanisms to better understand the outcomes of mental health crises and the role of law enforcement in these situations. This ongoing dialogue reflects Miami-Dade County's dedication to improving mental health services and ensuring the safety of its residents.