San Leandro Introduces Alternative Response Unit for Non-Violent 9-1-1 Calls

The Alameda County Fire Department in partnership with the San Leandro Police, Cardea Health, and the City of San Leandro Human Services launched the city’s pilot program called Alternative Response Unit 10 (ARU10) in November 2024. The ARU10 is designed to de-escalate situations where a person is experiencing non-violent psychological distress, mental health crises, or issues related to social well-being. The community can request ARU response by calling 9-1-1 or Police non-emergency at 510-577-2740.

The Alternative Response Unit is made up of professionals who are trained to handle non-violent emergencies. The team includes:

• A Nurse Practitioner, who provides medical assessments and treatment when necessary, ensuring that individuals get the right care on the spot.
• Two Community Health Workers offer social services and connect people to important resources and support networks.
• An EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) ensures that any necessary medical care is provided quickly and efficiently.
• The ARU also works in partnership with Eddie’s Place, a medically supported emergency shelter that offers a safe space for individuals in need of care. 

By bringing together these skilled professionals, the ARU offers an alternative approach to addressing mental health crises, ensuring that people receive the appropriate care and attention they need.

The ARU is available Monday through Thursday, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and is accessible for anyone living within San Leandro city limits. The unit is active and busy in the community. In the short time since the launch, the ARU has responded to over 300 calls, with over 90 follow-up visits.

Goals of the program include efforts to:

• Reduce the number of 9-1-1 calls related to mental health and behavioral health issues
• Decrease the number of unnecessary emergency room visits
• Deliver appropriate and timely response to behavioral health that meets the person’s needs
• Bridge and facilitate service connections for people in need of services

Some examples of when a person might be dispatched to the ARU include when:

• A person is known to, or there is a strong suspicion that they are, experiencing hallucinations, psychosis, or other significant mental health symptoms
• A person is experiencing suicidal thoughts
• A person is thinking of harming themselves or has minimally harmed themselves
• A person is in emotional distress
• Family members, neighbors, or people are arguing or in need of mediation
• A person’s behavior is gaining the attention of others (e.g., shoplifting, panhandling, trespassing, yelling) and there’s suspicion or knowledge of substance use, mental health issues, intellectual disabilities, autism, homelessness, or other human service needs driving this behavior

The launch of the ARU10 pilot program in San Leandro marks an exciting alternative on how cities can approach mental health and social well-being crises. For more information, visit Alameda County Fire Department.