In these challenging times, the need for reliable local reporting has never been greater. Put a value on the impact of our year-round coverage. Help us continue to highlight LA stories, hold the powerful accountable, and amplify community voices. Your support keeps our reporting free for all to use. Stand with us today.If you're enjoying this article, you'll love our daily morning newsletter, How To LA.
Rodriguez said the city budgeted $9 million in the last fiscal year for the new unarmed crisis response program.Since March 12, two-person teams made up of mental health specialists, emergency medical workers and licensed marriage and family therapists have responded to more than 300 non-violent emergency calls for service, officials said.organizations — Exodus Recovery, Alcott Center and Penny Lane Centers — to provide two teams in each of three service areas spread across L.A.
Jacob Sadowsky, a mobile crisis response therapist at Penny Lane Centers, said he and his fellow crisis workers don’t drive marked cars or wear the kind of clothing that makes most first responders recognizable when responding to calls. Polo shirts and slacks are his preferred attire.“I don’t think we’re going into these situations thinking that we’re going to fix everything,” Sadowsky said. “But we are modeling some alternative approaches to supporting each person’s community, and I love that.