Chicago is taking steps to redefine its approach to mental health emergencies. Treatment Not Trauma aims to transition from traditional police responses to a build out a more specialized, trauma-informed, health-focused nonpolice mobile crisis response system for the entire city. Teams of trained professionals will address mental health, substance use, and homelessness issues, effectively relieving police of their responsibility to function as mental health workers, and offering more appropriate care. By reallocating resources and prioritizing expert-led interventions, Chicago seeks to provide safer, more effective support for its residents in crisis, reflecting a commitment to compassionate and specialized care in mental health emergencies.

The Treatment Not Trauma Working Group Ordinance establishes and sets up a specialized working group to guide Chicago's shift to a health-focused crisis response. This groups, composed of representatives from the Chicago Departments of Public Health; Fire; Assets, Information, and Services; Human Resources; the Mayor’s Office; the Office of Budget and Management; and the Office of Emergency Management and Communications, and will develop strategies and oversee the transition from police-led to professional, trauma-informed interventions for mental health emergencies. Below are the organizations represented in the Alternative Response working group, each bringing their unique perspectives and specialized expertise to guide our approach.

Below are the departments represented in the Alternative Response working group, each bringing their unique perspectives and specialized expertise to guide our approach.