Fayette County Launches Telehealth for Mental Health 911 Calls

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  Health and Fitness on Wed, Jan 14th, 2026 by FOX 5 Atlanta
      Locale: UNITED STATES

The Problem: A Rising Tide of Behavioral Health 911 Calls

Like many jurisdictions across the United States, Fayette County has observed a significant increase in 911 calls stemming from behavioral health concerns. Traditionally, these calls require the dispatch of emergency responders - police, paramedics, and firefighters - who may not be adequately equipped or trained to address the underlying mental health needs of the caller. This system not only strains valuable emergency resources, potentially delaying response times for genuine emergencies, but also often results in individuals experiencing mental health crises being transported to hospitals or jails, rather than receiving targeted therapeutic interventions.

"We've seen a significant rise in the number of behavioral health calls to 911, and it's crucial that we provide the right level of care for those who need it," stated Fayette County Commissioner Charles Rousseau, underscoring the urgency of the situation. The county recognizes that simply sending emergency services isn't a sustainable or effective solution.

The Solution: Connecting Callers with Mental Health Professionals Via Telehealth

The new telehealth program offers a compelling alternative. When a 911 call is received that indicates a potential mental health crisis, dispatchers now have the option of connecting the caller with a licensed mental health professional via secure video conferencing. This allows a trained professional to directly assess the caller's needs, de-escalate the situation if necessary, and connect them with relevant community resources - whether it be crisis intervention services, counseling, support groups, or other specialized care.

This program isn't intended to replace emergency services entirely. Rather, it acts as a triage system, directing those with mental health needs towards the most appropriate level of care. By diverting these calls away from traditional emergency responders, the county hopes to free up valuable time and resources for true medical and safety emergencies.

"This is really a community-based approach to addressing mental health needs," explained Fayette County Emergency Management Agency Director Captain Mike Donoher. This emphasis on a community-based approach highlights the collaborative nature of the program, likely involving partnerships with local mental health organizations and providers.

Data-Driven Evaluation and Potential for Expansion

A crucial aspect of the pilot program is the commitment to data collection and analysis. Fayette County officials will be meticulously tracking key metrics to evaluate the program's effectiveness. This will likely include metrics such as the number of calls diverted to telehealth, the types of resources connected with callers, and the impact on emergency response times.

Captain Donoher emphasized this data-driven approach, stating, "They will be tracking and analyzing data to measure the success of the telehealth program in Fayette County." This evaluation will be critical in determining whether the program is achieving its goals and whether it warrants expansion across the county or even adoption by other jurisdictions.

A National Trend and Future Implications

Fayette County's telehealth initiative is not an isolated case. Several other cities and counties nationwide are exploring similar models to address the growing strain on 911 systems and improve mental health support. The success of Fayette County's program could pave the way for wider adoption of this innovative approach, potentially transforming how communities respond to mental health crises and ensuring that individuals in need receive the right kind of help, at the right time.