BeWellOC put its second mental health services mobile unit into service on December 19, 2021. This second mobile unit, known as “HOPE 2” will help the city manage the numerous calls for mental health services it receives every week.
Since the City contracted with BeWellOC, social service workers and mental health professionals have been able to respond to a portion of the hundreds of calls that come in each month to the Huntington Beach Police Department (HPBD). Since being introduced in August, the single BeWellOC van has averaged approximately 180 calls for service per month (August-November). The second van will allow BeWellOC to better serve our community and respond to more mental health service calls.
If there is a public safety threat or medical emergency, the HBPD will dispatch an officer and/or paramedic to stabilize the situation and ensure everyone’s safety. Once the scene is safe, or if officers/paramedics determine that a call is related to an individual who may be suffering from a mental health crisis, BeWellOC will respond, triage the situation, and provide tailored resources and services needed.
About 60 percent of the calls BeWellOC has responded to come from housed individuals, while 40 percent have been related to people experiencing homelessness. The mobile units have two major benefits: First, they free up officers to focus on solving crime and the other police work that is critical to public safety. Second, it allows for case managers and mental health professionals to offer individualized resources and proper support, reducing the chances for relapses.
For those in need of mental health services the non-emergency phone number to call is 714-960-8825. If there is an emergency where life or property is threatened, call 911.
