A process evaluation of the Effective Mental and Behavioral Health Emergency Diversion (EMBHED) project

Hundreds of innovative co- and alternative-responder approaches have been created and offered around the United States to assist law enforcement to better respond to individuals experiencing a mental or behavioral health crisis, substance abuse, homelessness, and other related and co-occurring issues. Yet, the vast majority of these programs have not been subjected to evaluative research. The current study provides a process evaluation of the Effective Mental and Behavioral Health Emergency Diversion (EMBHED) Project, which is offered in Millville, New Jersey. EMBHED–a collaborative effort between the Millville Police Department (MPD), Cumberland County Prosecutor’s Office, and the Inspira Health Network–can be categorized as a hybrid of an officer-based referral system with the addition of a walk-in model. We examine the history of this pilot project, including the challenges and delays as well as descriptive and bivariate findings with respect to program delivery and efficiency. Findings indicate EMBHED was institutionalized across MPD rather than siloed, and that EMBHED-relevant calls for service were spatially clustered in select parts of the city. Attrition and unsuccessful follow ups of officer referrals remain a concern, while the walk-in approach led to higher percentage of individuals becoming active clients and receiving services.