ST. PAUL, Minn. — The city of St. Paul is set to end its Community Outreach and Stabilization Unit (COAST), a program that has assisted thousands by pairing mental health providers with police to follow up on 911 calls. The initiative, which handled around 1,700 cases annually involving mental health, homelessness, and addiction, will be replaced in an effort to streamline services and reduce overlaps between agencies.
During a city council budget meeting, St. Paul Police Chief Axel Henry explained the rationale behind the decision, likening the current system to a “disjointed” house in need of rebuilding for greater efficiency. “We realized probably the best answer is we tear the house down and build it the way it should be,” he said.
Details of the new system, expected to launch next year, are still being finalized. Concerns have been raised by Sue Abderholden of the National Alliance on Mental Illness Minnesota, who fears that shifting responsibilities to city employees may compromise the protection of individuals’ private information. Deputy Mayor Jaime Tincher countered that the goal is to prioritize the availability of services without needing to disclose personal medical details.
While Abderholden believes this change could hinder progress in addressing complex issues like mental health crises and homelessness, Tincher assures that there will be no interruption in services previously provided by COAST. Chief Henry also emphasized that the transition will not affect 911 response capabilities.
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