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1. When is STAR available?

STAR is available to respond to calls from Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. As we collect data about the program, there is potential for STAR to expand.

2. What does STAR stand for and what does it do?

STAR stands for Support Team Assisted Response. The name refers to a partnership between Arvada Fire and WellPower and our goal of sending the right people to help with crisis related to mental health. 

STAR provides person-centric mobile crisis response to community members who are experiencing problems related to mental health, depression, homelessness, or substance use issues. The community support team provides a broad range of no-cost services such as crisis assessment and referral services, counseling, resource navigation and social services, and transportation to alternative destinations such as a crisis center if needed.

3. How does the program differ from traditional services?

Before co-responder programs, 911 systems typically handled calls involving behavioral health issues by dispatching police or emergency health providers. If the call couldn’t be resolved, outcomes could include costly transportation to emergency rooms or jail. 

By connecting individuals to appropriate behavioral health services and resources, a community support team can alleviate pressure on the justice and health care systems while improving patient care and outcomes. 

4. How is this program dispatched and to what type of calls?

The STAR program is dispatched through Jeffcom911 and can also be requested through fire, EMS, and police personnel or through direct contact from partner relationships developed in the community. 

Dispatchers are trained to triage the call and send the appropriate resources. STAR will respond to incidents involving behavioral health, depression, poverty, homelessness, and/or substance abuse. STAR is an alternative response and will not respond to incidents which involve violence or life-threatening situations.