Over the course of a week in June, three individuals in Baltimore died during encounters with police while experiencing a behavioral health emergency: Bilal “B.J.” Abdullah, shot on June 17; Dontae Melton, Jr., who became unresponsive while in custody; and Pytorcarcha Brooks , a 70-year-old woman, shot on June 25.

These tragic deaths make it clear that police officers are not the best responders to help people experiencing a behavioral health emergency. Such crises are generally not criminal events, and we need an approach that provides care and compassion. Baltimore needs a comprehensive emergency response system that provides effective care for people experiencing emotional distress and reduces unnecessary use of medical services and law enforcement.

What’s needed i

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