Mayor Bass Announces $2 Million Federal Investment to Expand CIRCLE Program That is Transforming Community-Led Crisis Response in L.A.

En Español

한국어

CIRCLE Deploys Mental Health Professionals to Address Non-Violent LAPD Calls

LOS ANGELES - Mayor Bass was today joined Congressmember Luz Rivas, Councilmember Imelda Padilla, and community safety leaders to announce more than $2 million in federal funding to support L.A.'s Crisis and Incident Response through Community-Led Engagement (CIRCLE) Program. CIRCLE is led through Mayor Bass' Office of Community Safety, which she created to advance a comprehensive approach to preventing crime by addressing the social and economic conditions that impact community safety.

"For too long, communities have been asking for a better way to respond to mental health crises: CIRCLE is that solution," said Mayor Bass. "By bringing trained mental health professionals directly into our communities, we are ensuring Angelenos in crisis receive the care they need, not just a response. This federal investment will allow us to strengthen and sustain this life-changing program while ensuring our police officers can focus on the emergencies where they are needed most. I thank Congressmember Rivas, Congressmember Sherman, Senator Padilla, and every partner who helped secure this funding and who continue to stand with us in creating a safer Los Angeles."

"I am proud to secure over $2,000,000 in federal funding to expand the CIRCLE Program into the San Fernando Valley," said Congressmember Rivas. "Since its founding, the CIRCLE Program has been incredibly successful in deploying trained mental health professionals to handle mental health crisis calls with care and compassion. Today's investment will help create a more compassionate response system as well as strengthen the people and programs tasked with addressing mental health crises. Thank you to Mayor Bass for her partnership in securing this funding. In Congress, I will continue working with my colleagues - as well as community partners - on solutions that strengthen support for people in a crisis."

"Our unhoused neighbors deserve to be approached with dignity, care and humanity - not treated like criminals because they are experiencing homelessness or going through a crisis," Councilmember Imelda Padilla said. "That is why the CIRCLE Program is so important. These teams can de-escalate situations, assess an individual's needs and connect them with support. I look forward to working with Congresswoman Rivas, Mayor Bass, and our local service providers to find a holistic approach to build a safer, healthier and more compassionate Los Angeles."

Since taking office, Mayor Bass has expanded the CIRCLE Program to more neighborhoods across Los Angeles, including Downtown L.A., Central Hollywood, South Los Angeles, the San Fernando Valley, Westside communities, and the Harbor Area. The more than $2 million in federal funding will facilitate the hiring of additional health care professionals for emergency response and support the continued expansion of the program.

The CIRCLE program is a proven, 24/7 crisis response model that connects Angelenos experiencing mental health challenges or a moment of crisis with trained mental health professionals and peer support specialists. The focus is on providing the right response, at the right time, without relying on law enforcement for non-violent situations.

"CIRCLE represents what is possible when communities come together to reimagine how we respond to people in crisis," said Dr. Ayana Rose, Vice President of Mobile Crisis Outreach Programs at Sycamores. "By bringing trained mental health professionals directly into the community, we are ensuring that individuals experiencing a crisis receive compassionate, trauma-informed support and connections to the services they need. We are proud to partner with the City of Los Angeles, the Mayor's Office, and first responders to build a safer, more compassionate system of care for our communities."

"As a community leader, I've seen the difference CIRCLE makes. Investing in this program means safer neighborhoods, better outcomes for people in crisis, and stronger support for our communities," said Jodie Francisco, Encino resident.

The secured funding is a testament to Mayor Bass' longstanding partnerships and relationships developed throughout her career in public service, including her time in Congress.