Primary Department: Public Health Services
Primary Department Head/Elected Official: Leah Barton, Interim Executive Director
Secondary Department: Choose an item.
Secondary Department Head/Elected Official:
Regular or Supplemental RCA: Regular RCA
Type of Request: Position
Project ID (if applicable): N/A
Vendor/Entity Legal Name (if applicable): N/A
MWBE Contracted Goal (if applicable): N/A
MWBE Current Participation (if applicable): N/A
Justification for 0% MWBE Participation Goal: N/A - Goal not applicable to request
Grant Indirect Costs Rate (if applicable):
Justification for 0% Grant Indirect Costs Rate (if applicable): Choose an item.
Request Summary (Agenda Caption):
title
Request for approval of 38 positions effective January 11, 2025 to support the Holistic Assistance Response Team (HART) Expansion Strategy as part of the in-house transition model.
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Background and Discussion:
The Holistic Assistance Response Team (HART) Program launched in March 2022 within Harris County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) District 1 as an alternative response model for non-violent 911 calls. The program utilizes interdisciplinary, unarmed first responders with behavioral health and medical assistance training to handle non-violent incidents, allowing law enforcement to focus on more serious crimes.
Expected Impact:
Transitioning the HART program to an in-house operation with 38 new positions will significantly enhance HCPH's ability to deliver emergency response services for non-violent 911 calls. This structural change will provide HCPH with direct operational control and oversight, enabling more efficient resource allocation and program adaptability. By bringing these services in-house, HCPH will strengthen its partnerships with the Harris County Sheriff's Office, EMS agencies, and other divisions, leading to improved coordination and service delivery. This transition supports the program's core mission of providing specialized behavioral health and medical assi...
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