Oklahoma City: Innovative initiative offers specialized response to behavioral and mental health emergencies

In a significant step forward for mental health and public safety, the City of Oklahoma City has officially launched its Mobile Integrated Healthcare (MIH) program. The initiative was unveiled during a public event at Oklahoma City Fire Department Station No. 1 at 820 NW 5th Street, coinciding with Mental Health Awareness Month.

Developed by the Oklahoma City Fire Department (OKCFD) in collaboration with the OKC Public Safety Partnership and the City’s Crisis Intervention Advisory Group, the program is designed to provide specialized responses to 911 calls involving mental or behavioral health issues. Instead of relying solely on police or EMS responders, MIH deploys trained clinicians, paramedics, peer recovery support specialists, and other professionals equipped to handle sensitive mental health situations.

“Mobile Integrated Healthcare is reshaping public safety in Oklahoma City,” said Assistant City Manager Jason Ferbrache. “It ensures residents get the right care from the right responders, improving outcomes for those in crisis while freeing up emergency teams for critical needs.”

How the Program Works

The MIH program currently operates daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., with plans to expand hours in the future. The 27-member response team includes a program manager, clinicians, navigators, paramedics, and support specialists. Specially equipped vehicles allow teams to provide mobile care directly to residents experiencing mental health crises.

Key components of Mobile Integrated Healthcare include:

Crisis Call Diversion – A 911-embedded team that triages mental health-related calls and connects them to appropriate services.

Crisis Response Team – Responds to high-risk behavioral health emergencies.

Alternative Response Team – Assists with non-acute mental health and overdose calls.

Community Advocacy Program – Connects frequent non-emergency 911 callers to long-term support resources.

Expanding on Past Initiatives

Mobile Integrated Healthcare builds on two previous OKCFD programs:

The Community Advocacy Program (launched in 2019)

The Overdose Response Team (established in 2023)

These programs laid the groundwork for a more robust, community-focused response system.

“By embedding this program in the Fire Department, we’re broadening our emergency response capabilities,” said OKC Fire Chief Richard Kelley. “Whether it’s fire, medical, or mental health – our team is ready to help.”

Community Collaboration

MIH is part of the broader OKC Public Safety Partnership, which brings together community leaders, city officials, law enforcement, and residents to improve public safety outcomes across Oklahoma City.