Additional Mental Health Support for Downtown and Beyond

Asheville is expanding access to mental health resources for people experiencing crisis, with new partnerships touching both public safety and public transit.

The Asheville Police Department and Asheville Fire Department's Resource and Engagement Support Team (REST) have partnered with RHA Health Services, supported by a Vaya Health grant, to place certified mental health professionals alongside first responders on select crisis calls. The pilot runs 60 days. Officers and REST firefighters will have a non-uniformed mental health professional on scene to help de-escalate situations and connect people directly with care, rather than simply making a referral. Learn more →

Sixty days is a short runway to judge impact, so we’re watching how the pilot performs and whether it becomes a permanent fixture. If it works as intended, it should mean fewer unresolved crisis calls Downtown and a stronger safety net for the people who rely on these services most.

Asheville Rides Transit is adding mental health support too. As part of the City's new four-year, $54.9 million contract with RATP Dev, a crisis counselor will be stationed at the ART Transit Center at 49 Coxe Ave to connect riders in need with community resources. This is particularly critical as the transit center remains one of our most challenging areas in terms of calls for services related to safety and cleanliness. More info →

For Downtown, this is a meaningful program. Anyone visiting, living, and working Downtown likely regularly encounters people in crisis on the street, and until now the options have been limited. Having trained mental health professionals embedded in those responses means faster, more appropriate care for the person in crisis.