Marion County Health & Human Services (MCHHS) and the Salem Fire Department officially launched the Rapid Engagement, Assessment & Community Health (REACH) team
Starting January 20, residents may see new REACH vehicles on Salem’s streets as the data-driven pilot program begins responding to eligible community calls.
REACH was created to address the growing number of 911 calls driven by behavioral health, substance use, and other complex social needs.
The team pairs a Marion County Qualified Mental Health Associate (QMHA) with a Salem Fire paramedic and EMT to reach people in the field with early engagement, on-scene assessment, immediate support, and connection to services.
REACH is dispatched through 911, and 911 operators will determine the most appropriate response, which will now include the REACH team.
The program also complements the national 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, offering another pathway for residents experiencing behavioral health crises to access timely support.