The Fifth Branch is a special series by Tradeoffs and The Marshall Project that examines what it looks like when one community dramatically changes how it responds to people in crisis.
Episode 1: Convincing the Cops
The first episode of “The Fifth Branch” explores the origins of Durham’s new approach to crisis response, centering on one big question: How do you convince police officers that it makes sense to send unarmed mental health workers to some 911 calls?
Episode 2: Keeping People Safe
Proponents of alternative crisis response say these programs make communities safer. We dig into personal stories and data to see if Durham’s program is living up to that promise for people in crisis, law enforcement, the community at large and its own unarmed responders.
Episode 3: The Last Line of Care
Alternative response teams are being asked to tackle vexing problems: mental illness, homelessness, addiction. How much can they actually do? We explore how Durham grapples with connecting people to long-term care and support, and where the city draws the line between crisis response and social services.
Sending Unarmed Responders Instead of Police: What We’ve Learned
by Christie Thompson, The Marshall Project
There are more than 100 response teams nationwide, but experts say more research on their impact is needed.
EVENTS
The Fifth Branch: Redefining Mental Health Crisis Response in America
August 15, 2024 – Noon to 1 p.m. ET
Join us for a virtual discussion of the main findings from the series and to hear directly from experts in alternative crisis response about how these programs can best serve residents in the midst of a mental health crisis. Panelist Q&A to follow.
CrisisCon24 – How Durham is Reimagining Crisis Response
October 14 – 17, 2024 – Phoenix, AZ
A panel discussion at the 2024 National Crisis Continuum Conference, CrisisCon, exploring themes from the series, how Durham got buy-in for the HEART program, how they’re keeping folks safe, and how Durham’s Community Safety Department scoped the program. Additional details forthcoming.
Is there more to the story? Help us tell it.
We want to hear about your experiences with crisis response units. What advice would you give to anyone thinking about calling a response unit for someone experiencing a mental health crisis? And what questions do you have about how these programs work?
You can send an email to info@tradeoffs.org. Your insights will help inform a virtual panel discussion with the reporters and several first responders on Thursday, Aug. 15, at 12 p.m. ET. You can find more information about the event or register here.
Press
Side Effects Public Media
An interview with reporter Ryan Levi about alternative crisis response and The Fifth Branch.
TRADEOFFS
Ryan Levi, Reporter/Producer
Dan Gorenstein, Executive Editor
Cate Cahan, Series Editor
Marc Maximov, Producer
Andrew Parrella, Sound Designer
Cedric Wilson, Assistant Sound Designer
Kathryn Dugal, Director of Marketing and Audience
Shannon Crane, Audience Engagement Lead
Jessica Silverman, Executive Director
Angela Hollowell, Photographer
THE MARSHALL PROJECT
Christie Thompson, Staff Writer
Manuel Torres, Senior Editor
Nicole Lewis, Engagement Editor
Ruth Baldwyn, Editorial Director
Celina Fang, Senior Multimedia Editor
Marci Suela, Multimedia Editor
Mara Corbett, Production Coordinator
Ghazala Irshad, Style and Standards Editor
Ashley Dye, Audience Director
David Eads, Data Editor
Additional thanks to everyone who made this series possible.
This project was supported in part by The Just Trust and the Sozosei Foundation.