A pilot program to help in responses to mental health and substance use calls in Worcester is set to begin this summer.

The crisis response program is a collaboration between the city, first responders and Community Healthlink staff. The model includes a crisis team who will be dispatched with police officers or firefighters.

Crisis team members may also respond on their own, depending on the situation. Staff will help de-escalate a crisis situation and connect clients with the resources they need.

"It’s really responding to the crisis in the moment and meeting them where they're at, and then being able to connect them to the services at our community behavioral health center, ensuring they have the supports they need moving forward,” said Community Healthlink President Tamara Lundi.

“We'll be partnering with the 911 dispatch center, the police department, fire department, as well as EMT partners, to ensure the right tool, if you will, is being used for the job. There will be times we dispatch out alone and then there will be times we dispatch out with others."

The three month pilot is set to begin in June, then the program will look to transition into a full-time effort where staff is available 24/7.