OC Health Care Agency and OC Sheriff Partner to Refine Crisis Response Program
The Orange County Sheriff’s Department, in partnership with the OC Health Care Agency (HCA), is refining its crisis call diversion program to better serve those experiencing behavioral health disorders.
In March 2024, Sheriff’s Department 911 dispatchers began diverting non-violent, non-criminal behavioral health calls to OC Links. Calls are answered 24/7/365 by OC Links Navigators – licensed clinicians and trained behavioral health professionals who can assist individuals or loved ones at any stage of need – whether they’re seeking prevention resources, treatment options, referrals to behavioral health programs, homeless outreach resources, or urgent support. Navigators can also dispatch a mobile crisis response team when necessary. To date, approximately 240 calls have been diverted to OC Links.
As the program has developed, the need to expand has emerged. Any behavioral health-related 911 call with no violation of law or threat to safety will not receive a deputy response, but will be diverted to OC Links instead. This ensures immediate, compassionate and expert care, and that deputies remain available for calls involving safety risks or criminal activity.
“Individuals in crisis who pose no threat to the community do not need law enforcement coming to their door. They need trained behavioral health clinicians who are better equipped to get them help,” said Don Barnes, Orange County Sheriff-Coroner.
“This refined approach ensures that people receive the right care at the right time,” added Chair Doug Chaffee, 4th District.
When the diversion program began, the HCA launched its “First Responders for Mental Health” campaign to promote OC Links as a dedicated resource for behavioral health emergencies. This campaign continues promoting essential information on recognizing crises and accessing appropriate services.
“Expanding clinician-led responses helps ensure residents experiencing a mental health crisis receive medical care and urgent treatment, while allowing our deputies to focus on crime prevention and emergencies that require a law enforcement response,” remarked Vice Chair Katrina Foley, 5th District.
“This partnership between the Sheriff’s Department and the OC Health Care Agency demonstrates how coordinated, cross-agency collaboration leads to better outcomes for residents in crisis,” said Supervisor Don Wagner, 3rd District.
The Sheriff’s Department receives about 10,000 calls each year involving mental health. OC Links remains a critical component in caring for the safety and well-being of those experiencing crisis, receiving more than 43,789 calls and chats, and dispatching more than 10,862 mobile responses in 2025.
“I’m proud that this enhanced diversion system will help and support many people in my district,” stated Supervisor Janet Nguyen, 1st District. “By uniting public safety and behavioral health expertise, the County is ensuring that individuals receive the care they need most.”
The presence of uniforms or sirens can heighten anxiety, especially for those experiencing behavioral health issues. Having clinicians respond can reduce the chance of the situation escalating and make individuals more likely to follow up with care.
“I have consistently advocated for models that pair licensed mental health clinicians with law enforcement,” commented Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento, 2nd District, “and I believe this approach is an excellent solution to de-escalation, appropriate care, and potentially saving lives.”
“A mental health condition is a medical issue, not a criminal one, and people deserve understanding and care when they are struggling,” said Dr. Veronica Kelley, HCA Director and Interim Behavioral Health Services Director. “By recognizing the signs of crisis and connecting individuals to the right support, we can help ensure safety, dignity and healing for everyone involved.”
In addition to OC Links, the Sheriff’s Department continues to deploy its Behavioral Health Bureau teams in partnership with HCA’s Psychiatric Emergency Response Teams (PERT), responsible for proactively supporting those experiencing behavioral health crises and homelessness, and connecting individuals with resources like housing programs, counseling services, and more.
The public can access OC Links directly 24/7/365 by calling (855) OC-LINKS (625-4657).
