The Human Services Alternative Response Team (HART) is a joint program of Albemarle County Department of Social Services, Albemarle County Fire Rescue, and Albemarle County Police Department. Launched in July 2023, HART's purpose is to respond and follow up on emergency calls that are mental health and/or substance use related through a collaborative, trauma-informed, human-centered approach. The goals are:

• De-escalate and support residents who are in crisis, in place, reducing the need for force through alternative methods.
• Utilize, when necessary, crisis stabilization services, diverting away from the emergency department or jail.
• Connect to community and mainstream resources through direct advocacy and referral.
• Support and contribute to education regarding alternative response, both internally within departments and throughout the community.

While HART is not a service that residents can directly request or call, team members proactively stay informed on behavioral health calls and initiate a response and follow-ups when necessary. This response model offers an opportunity for law enforcement, behavioral health providers, and emergency services personnel to work together to respond, provide crisis support, and provide follow-up navigation support.

Learn more about HART from our team members themselves by watching the video below.