CBHJ pilots dispatch training to strengthen behavioral health crisis response

The Center for Behavioral Health and Justice (CBHJ) at the Wayne State University School of Social Work, in partnership with Cardinal Group II and the University of Chicago Health Lab, is launching a new training program designed to improve how 911 professionals respond to behavioral health crises. The first pilot session of the Behavioral Health Emergency Response for 911 Professionals (BHER-911) training is scheduled for May 6, 2026, in Mason, Michigan.

"911 dispatchers are the true first responders and equipping them with specialized behavioral health training is the next logical step," said J. Eric Waddell, Chief Learning Officer of Cardinal Group II. "When police, fire, Community Mental Health, and 911 dispatchers train from the same playbook, we build stronger partnerships, align our response strategies, and create safer outcomes for everyone involved."

The BHER-911 training is an intensive, eight-hour course that equips 911 dispatchers and call-takers with the tools to better recognize and respond to behavioral health-related calls. The curriculum emphasizes (1) identifying behavioral health indicators, (2) assessing risk and acuity, and (3) applying trauma-informed communication strategies to support de-escalation and safety. By strengthening these core competencies, the training aims to improve decision-making and ensure individuals in crisis are connected to appropriate, community-based resources.

Developed through a collaborative, multidisciplinary process, the training integrates evidence-informed practices with real-world application. Contributors include behavioral health experts, dispatch professionals, and national leaders in 911 system transformation. The program also draws on insights from ongoing crisis response initiatives and aligns with best practices in behavioral health crisis care and diversion.

In addition to enhancing individual skills, the training focuses on system-level improvements. Participants learn strategies to strengthen call documentation, improve data accuracy, and better track behavioral health-related call trends that they can customize to their agency and community. These enhancements support more coordinated, person-centered responses and contribute to broader efforts to modernize emergency response systems.

The May pilot training, hosted at the Ingham County Sheriff's Office, is offered at no cost, and is SNC approved. As part of the pilot phase, participants are encouraged to provide feedback through post-training focus groups, which will inform ongoing refinement of the curriculum and future statewide implementation.

"This pilot represents an important step toward building a more responsive and effective crisis system," said Sheryl Kubiak, dean of the Wayne State University School of Social Work and director of the CBHJ. "By equipping 911 professionals with the right tools and knowledge, we can improve outcomes for individuals in crisis and strengthen connections to care across communities."

The BHER-911 training is a project of the BHER initiative, a multistate collaborative administered by the NYU SCALE + Lab and supported by a coalition of partners and funders committed to advancing behavioral health crisis response. National funders include Blue Meridian Partners with additional support provided by Pew Charitable Trusts. In Michigan, funding partners include the Ethel and James Flinn Foundation, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation, the Michigan Mental Health Diversion Council, the Michigan Health Endowment Fund, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, and the Herrick Foundation.

911 professionals interested in participating in the BHER-911 training pilot are encouraged to complete the registration form to indicate interest in future sessions. The May 6 training marks the first pilot, with additional opportunities expected to be scheduled soon. For more information or to inquire about upcoming training dates, contact [email protected].