A New Chapter in Crisis Care on Long Island
Suffolk County has taken a bold step toward compassionate crisis response by integrating mental health professionals into its 911 system. Announced this week by County Executive Ed Romaine and Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina, the initiative aims to ensure that residents experiencing mental health emergencies receive the right help at the right time—not just law enforcement, but trained social workers and psychological support.
Under the new program:
- 911 operators can now transfer mental health-related calls to licensed social workers.
- A dedicated support line via 311 will launch soon, with plans to expand to 24/7 coverage.
- The initiative is powered by a partnership with Family Service League and graduate psychology students, creating a multi-tiered response system that prioritizes de-escalation and care.
“Awareness without action is meaningless,” said Sylvia Diaz, Suffolk’s Executive for Health and Human Services. “This is about making sure every individual in crisis—and every family in need—can find the right help.”
This move reflects a growing national trend to rethink emergency response, especially for vulnerable populations. It’s not just policy—it’s personal. For families, first responders, and mental health advocates, this shift represents hope, safety, and dignity.
