A few weeks ago, someone in our own community threatened to take their own life. A concerned person did what so many are told to do — they called 911. For a series of complex reasons based on court decisions and policy disagreements, nobody was dispatched and the person tragically died by suicide. 

We are standing in the middle of a broken system that is unraveling before us. This cannot be the standard we accept. 

We fully understand that some law enforcement are now reevaluating when and how their officers can respond to calls reporting mental health crisis. We must recognize that individuals who experience a mental health crisis deserve care, support and resources, not silence. When someone is at risk of harming themselves or others, there must be a coordinated, prepared, and effective response.  

While we envision a future where prevention is prioritized, and crises are rare, today, we are still navigating the harsh realities of a system under strain, and in turn, communities grappling with confusion that puts lives at risk. Mental health crises continue to unfold in our homes, on our streets, in silence and in desperation. The question we face is not if these crises will occur, but whether we are prepared to meet them with the urgency, coordination, and compassion they require. 

The time to act is now. We need every partner at the table. Because lives depend on it. 

At NAMI California (The National Alliance on Mental Illness), we are a passionate team of family members, individuals with lived experience, advocates, and partners across the state who are united by a shared commitment to improving the lives of those affected by mental illness. Powered by family voices, we are dedicated to improving lives through support, education, and advocacy, ensuring individuals and families affected by mental illness have access to the care, services and resources they need.  

We know that addressing the complex challenges of mental illness requires more than just one voice or one system. It takes people from every sector – health care, education, public safety, government, and community organizations – coming together to share ideas, lived experiences, and innovative solutions. Real change happens when we work collaboratively, guided by compassion and a common purpose. 

We are calling on local leaders, first responders, mental health professionals, and community organizations to demand solutions. NAMI California urges every city and county to assess their current crisis protocols, invest in co-response teams, expand access to peer and family support, and ensure we are weighing all options.  

This is about designing a system that protects everyone. If we continue to fail to respond with clarity and coordination, the consequences will continue to unfold right before our eyes.  

Communities feel the weight of loss, and families are left to navigate the aftermath for the rest of their lives.  

Raise your voices and help us shape a future where no one is left alone in their darkest moment. Join us in advocating for a response system rooted in compassion, not confusion. 

At NAMI California, we look forward to continuing this important conversation, educating our communities, and creating lasting change through meaningful partnership and collaboration. Please share your experiences with crisis response in your community here and sign up for our action center here to ensure you are receiving our latest updates.