Mobile Crisis Response Team launched in Guam

The Leon Guerrero-Tenorio Administration has announced the launch of a Mobile Crisis Response Team in Guam.

The Guam Behavioral Health and Wellness Center has had a rise in Crisis Hotline calls, making the current average approximately 500 calls per month. These significant increases in mental health crises in Guam have sparked a need for action.

Behavioral specialists are working to address the rising number of mental health challenges. The program is for crises involving mental health, substance abuse, depression, and homelessness. It is a partnership between the Guam Behavioral Health and Wellness Center, Guam Fire, and the Guam Police Department. Behavioral health specialists will assist responders working with those experiencing mental health challenges.

“We cannot transform mental health solely through the healthcare system. We must also address the conditions of behavioral health, invest in community services, and foster a culture and environment that broadly promotes mental wellness and recovery,” said Governor Leon Guerrero (D). “We need a whole-of-society effort to address the mental health crisis: to expand prevention programs and actions that improve mental health at every age and across settings, and to enhance programs that support recovery, especially for populations at increased risk.”

The administration continues to work on strengthening crisis care for the community.

According to the governor’s office, the MCRT will begin in stages, with the first having begun on June 6. This stage is for calls from Behavioral Health clients who are 18 years old and above.

On September 6 the second stage commences. This is when services open to non-clients who are 18 years old and above. For a dispatch call to be redirected to the crisis hotline, the mental health crisis can not pose a risk to public safety.

 “It is imperative that we promote better pathways to care for all those with behavioral health needs. We stand in solidarity with those who are experiencing mental health challenges, renewing our commitment to ensuring that we meet the holistic health needs of the people of Guam,” stated Lt. Governor Josh Tenorio (D).

If you or someone you know is experiencing thoughts of suicide, or other behavioral health crises, you can contact the Behavioral Health hotline at 671-647-8833/4.