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1. When is STARvada available?

STARvada 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 STARvada to expand.

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

It 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. 

STARvada provides person-centric mobile crisis response to community members who are experiencing problems related to mental health, depression, homelessness, or substance use issues. The co-responder team provides crisis assessment and referral services, community outreach and support, 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, mental health co-responder programs 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?

STARvada is dispatched through Jeffcom911. Dispatchers are trained to triage the call and send the appropriate resources. STARvada will respond to incidents involving behavioral health, depression, poverty, homelessness, and/or substance abuse.