Winston Salem Times

The federal government has allocated $700,000 for the expansion of the city's Behavioral Evaluation and Response (BEAR) Team, as part of the fiscal year 2024 appropriations bill. This funding, championed by Rep. Kathy Manning, will be utilized to hire four additional crisis counselors, bringing the total staff count to 11 individuals.

According to Assistant City Manager Patrice Toney, the BEAR Team, which was initially launched as a pilot program in 2023, has proven to be highly effective in responding to non-violent mental health, domestic disputes, and substance abuse calls. Toney highlighted that the expansion of the team will further enhance their ability to address such issues and contribute to reducing emergency room visits, involuntary psychiatric commitments, and arrests.

Toney also shared a heartwarming success story of the BEAR Team, where they assisted a young man with intellectual disabilities, anxiety, and depression in achieving a more stable quality of life. The team's intervention not only provided him with the necessary support but also facilitated his transition to a care home following his mother's passing.

Since its inception, the BEAR Team has responded to a significant number of calls, offering assistance to individuals in need. The team members work tirelessly, providing crisis counseling, supporting street outreach initiatives, and collaborating with other agencies to ensure those requiring help receive the necessary resources and follow-up care.

The expansion of the BEAR Team comes as a crucial development in the city's approach to handling mental health crises and related situations, reinforcing the importance of specialized response teams in addressing community needs effectively.