Naperville Fire Department launches innovative mental health response program

During a recent government meeting, the Naperville City Council received an update on the Community Advocate Response Team (CART) program from Fire Chief Mark Peknides. The CART initiative, designed to address mental health and quality of life emergencies before they escalate, has shown promising results since its full-time launch in January 2024.

Chief Peknides highlighted that the program aims to minimize non-emergency calls to emergency medical services (EMS) by providing targeted interventions. In the first quarter of 2024 alone, CART responded to 285 incidents, with over 80% of these being non-emergent, primarily related to mental health issues. This proactive approach has allowed EMS units to focus on genuine emergencies, thereby improving overall community safety.

The chief reported that CART has successfully reduced repeat calls from individuals in crisis. For instance, one individual who had previously required assistance nearly 1,000 times in a year has seen a significant decrease in calls, now only needing help two to three times annually. This reduction is attributed to the program's ability to connect individuals with long-term solutions and follow-up care.

Financially, the program has also been structured to be cost-neutral. Since its inception, CART has billed for 107 treat-no-transport incidents, generating nearly $300,000 in revenue from Illinois Medicaid. This funding model is crucial as it allows the city to sustain the program without placing additional financial burdens on taxpayers.

Looking ahead, Chief Peknides emphasized the importance of community awareness and plans for a marketing campaign to inform residents about the CART services. He anticipates an increase in demand as more people learn about the program, and he assured the council that they are prepared to address any potential surge in calls.

The council expressed support for the program, recognizing its vital role in addressing mental health crises and improving community well-being. The chief committed to providing semiannual updates on the program's progress and impact, reinforcing the city's dedication to enhancing public safety and health services.