Palm Beach County launches Operation COAST to transform mental health crisis response
Key Points(5)
- Unveiled this week, the program deploys peer responders and therapists alongside law enforcement to respond to mental health-related 911 calls.
- The approach focuses on de-escalating situations that might otherwise result in a Baker Act commitment or jail time.
- According to the Health Care District, fewer than 2% of individuals transported to their Community Health Center under Operation: COAST have needed to be Baker Acted.
- “Before Operation: COAST, law enforcement only had two tools in their toolbox when responding to crisis calls: hospitalization or jail,” said Darcy J.
- Davis, President and CEO of the Health Care District.
In a groundbreaking effort to improve mental health crisis intervention, the Health Care District of Palm Beach County has launched Operation: COAST (Crisis Outreach and Support Team), a partnership with local law enforcement agencies aimed at offering compassionate, community-based mental health support and reducing unnecessary hospitalizations and arrests.
Unveiled this week, the program deploys peer responders and therapists alongside law enforcement to respond to mental health-related 911 calls. The approach focuses on de-escalating situations that might otherwise result in a Baker Act commitment or jail time. According to the Health Care District, fewer than 2% of individuals transported to their Community Health Center under Operation: COAST have needed to be Baker Acted.
“Before Operation: COAST, law enforcement only had two tools in their toolbox when responding to crisis calls: hospitalization or jail,” said Darcy J. Davis, President and CEO of the Health Care District. “Now, we’re able to provide people in crisis with immediate psychiatric care and long-term support in a more humane and effective way.”
Over 300 individuals have already been served through the initiative. Health officials say this not only reduces strain on the 911 system but allows law enforcement to return to active duty more quickly, with 80% of mental health-related drop-offs completed in under 20 minutes.
Operation: COAST also ensures continued care by connecting patients to outpatient services through the Health Care District’s network of community health centers.
Five law enforcement agencies have signed on so far, including the West Palm Beach Police Department, Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, Palm Beach Gardens Police Department, Riviera Beach Police Department, and North Palm Beach Police Department. Leaders from these agencies were honored for their pioneering role in the program.
Chief Dominick Pape of the Palm Beach Gardens Police Department emphasized the initiative's impact. “All my officers, sergeants, and detectives are undergoing mental health responder training. This is an outstanding tool that multiplies our force’s effectiveness.”
The program’s launch drew support from nearly 100 community and government leaders, including Florida Rep. Meg Weinberger and Palm Beach County Mayor Maria Marino.
The Health Care District continues to offer psychiatric services daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at its community health centers. Walk-ins are welcome, and appointments can be made at 561-642-1000 or via WeCareForAllPBC.org.
