DATE: December 5, 2023
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: City Manager
SUBJECT
Title
HEART Pilot Program: Implementation Updates Regarding the Hayward Evaluation and Response Team Program
End
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
That the Council receives an update on implementation of the HEART program and provides feedback on implementation progress.
End
SUMMARY
The Hayward Evaluation and Response Teams (HEART) program began implementation in June 2021 and has continued to evolve as staff adapt to changing environments, funding availability, and community needs. HEART is a cross-departmental and inter-agency program between the City Manager’s Office, Police and Fire Departments, and Alameda County Behavioral Health Care Services developed to improve access to medical, mental health, and other support services. The program aims to achieve two main goals:
1. Reduce the need for police officers to intervene in calls for service involving people experiencing chronic mental illness, substance use disorders, and homelessness; and
2. Reduce reliance on emergency services for individuals needing long-term case management and follow-up services.
HEART now consists of three teams that each respond to different levels of need and types of calls for service throughout Hayward:
• Hayward Mobile Evaluation Team (HMET)
• Mobile Integrated Health Unit (MIHU)
• Case Management and Mental Health Linkages Team (LINK)
This staff report provides updates regarding program changes and the implementation timeline for each HEART team. It also provides implementation highlights and challenges, including initial descriptive data to understand what types of calls HEART is responding to and who is being served. Staff recommend that Council review this report and share any feedback and questions about implementation for staff consideration as the program moves forward.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment I Staff Report
Attachment II HEART Program Summary
Attachment III Homeless Response Resource Guide