Posted 4/11/2025
A recent AP article, “How Philadelphia police draw on personal experiences to respond to mental health crises” highlights the successful partnership between the Philly police department and Merakey’s CIRT.
Here’s an excerpt from the article:
Audrey Lundy, program director for Merakey, said one of her first calls with the unit reframed her perspective. Instead of doing a typical welfare check — on a mother who hadn’t been to work in awhile — Lundy and the CIRT officer brought over groceries for the family using a flexible needs spending card. The woman had gotten sick, was unable to work and began experiencing a financial crisis. The groceries opened the door to a broader conversation about the resources that may be available to help her cover school costs, long-term expenses and ultimately, get back to her job.