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The Springfield Fire Department and the City of Springfield officially launched the BEACON Project (Bridging Emergency And Community Outreach Network) today, marking the beginning of a new approach to responding to mental health, substance use and opioid-related emergencies in the community.
Mayor Misty Buscher joined Springfield Fire Department leadership and members of the BEACON team at Fire Station 6 to mark the launch and unveil Rescue 1, the Springfield Fire Department apparatus that will respond to BEACON calls.
The BEACON Project connects Springfield Fire Department with local behavioral health partners to create a more unified crisis response system throughout the community. The initiative is designed to provide individuals experiencing behavioral health or substance use-related crises with an appropriate response while helping connect them to resources and services.
Rescue 1 will serve as a mobile response and stabilization vehicle for the BEACON team. The specially equipped vehicle will allow the team to respond in the community and provide a dedicated space to engage with individuals experiencing a behavioral health emergency.
“This is an important step forward for Springfield as we put this significant investment into action,” said Mayor Misty Buscher. “BEACON brings together public safety and behavioral health partners to address challenges affecting families and communities across our city. We are proud to put these resources to work for the people of Springfield.”
“Rescue 1 gives us another tool to better serve people in our community,” said Fire Chief Nick Zummo. “We know every 911 call is different, and sometimes the best answer is not simply taking someone to the emergency room. This gives our crews the time and resources to look at the whole situation, figure out what that person actually needs, and get them connected to the right help.”
The BEACON Project is funded through the City of Springfield’s allocation of national opioid settlement dollars. The funding supports the City’s efforts to address the impacts of substance use, strengthen behavioral health resources, and improve the way residents experiencing a crisis are connected to care and support.
With Rescue 1 now officially in service, the BEACON team will begin utilizing the vehicle as part of its community response.
