Denver's STAR Program Offers Promising Alternative Response to Mental Health and Substance Use Crises

Hacks & Wonks

On this topical show, Crystal welcomes Evan Thompkins, STAR Program Specialist with the Denver Department of Public Health and Environment, and Stephanie Van Jacobs, Program Manager at WellPower!

The STAR program offers a promising alternative response to mental health and substance use crises, providing individuals with the support and resources they need while reducing the burden on traditional police response. With strong community support and a commitment to meeting the evolving needs of Denver residents, the STAR program is poised to continue making a positive impact on the lives of those it serves. As cities across the country grapple with the challenges of addressing these complex social issues, Denver's STAR program serves as an inspiring example of what can be achieved through community-driven, collaborative solutions.

As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at officialhacksandwonks.com.

Follow us on Twitter/X at @HacksWonks. Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Twitter/X at @finchfrii, find Denver Department of Public Health & Environment at @DDPHE and WellPower at @WeAreWellPower.

Resources

Support Team Assisted Response (STAR) Program | City and County of Denver

Support Team Assisted Response (STAR) | WellPower

2022 Mid-Year Report | Support Team Assisted Response (STAR)

“Denver successfully sent mental health professionals, not police, to hundreds of calls” by Grace Hauck from USA Today

“These First-Responder Superheroes Don’t Wear Capes or Even Uniforms” by Matt Levin from Oprah Daily

“Denver's STAR set to expand amid tension over its future” by Esteban L. Hernandez from Axios

“As STAR expands, community members feel left out of planning. Here’s why it matters.” by Victoria Carodine from Rocky Mountain PBS