In early 2023, Emancipate NC launched the Raleigh HEART Coalition, a diverse group of stakeholders all dedicated to bringing unarmed, compassionate, alternative crisis response to the City of Raleigh. This effort was modeled after the successful HEART program in Durham, NC. This final push came after years of community discussion and years of standing beside grieving families who were mourning the deaths of loved ones at the hands of armed police. We knew that there had to be a better way of handling mental health crises than guns, tasers, and handcuffs.
Yesterday, after much stakeholder input, Raleigh announced the new name for the program: the CARES Program. CARES is the name chosen by the community, and was one of the names suggested by Emancipate NC. It stands for Crisis Alternative Response for Empathy and Support. Its mission is to connect the community to the resources and support that they need. The teams will include clinicians and per support. CARES is in its pilot phase and will be available from 9 am to 5 pm, assisting individuals in distress who do not pose a threat to themselves or others, including people experiencing mental/behavioral health needs, substance abuse crisis, and housing crisis.