DISCLAIMER: This episode contains information on excessive use of police force and the death of Elijah McClain.

The US mental health care system is facing an emergency. How do we respond?

In the penultimate episode of While We Wait, Sania Ali and Avni Kulkarni explore different models for crisis response and first responders, including law enforcement, EMTs, and social workers.

Guests on this episode include Thom Dunn from the University of Northern Colorado and Anthony Hall from the DC Department of Behavioral Health.

While We Wait was produced by Sania Ali and Avni Kulkarni for Health Affairs.

Theme music by Tommy Scanlon.

If you or a loved one is thinking about suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (Lifeline) at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or text the Crisis Text Line (text HELLO to 741741). Both services are free and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. All calls are confidential. You can also call 911.