Empowering Behavioral Health Crisis Response: The BHERi Impact Lab

In an ambitious effort to transform behavioral health crisis response across the United States, the Behavioral Health Emergency Response Initiative (BHERi) convened national- and state-level funders and key stakeholders for the BHERi Impact Lab in April 2024.

Hosted by the NYU Marron Institute of Urban Management and the Flinn Foundation, this two-day event was held at the Detroit Athletic Club. The primary objective of the Impact Lab was to maximize innovation and develop strategies in Michigan and other states to improve the lives of those experiencing behavioral health crises.  The long-term vision is to create actionable plans to scale Behavioral Health Emergency Response (BHER) systems across the nation that address mental health crises effectively, minimize the likelihood of harm, arrest or unnecessary emergency department visits.

Stakeholders  considered broad levers such as financing and workforce development to facilitate statewide scaling. The aim, overall, is to reduce the reliance on emergency departments, prisons and jails for treating acute behavioral health issues.

The BHER initiative members are working collectively to create a future where behavioral health crises are managed with care, efficiency, and compassion. As a partner in this initiative, the Flinn Foundation looks forward to additional progress in the months to come.