Harris County Expands HART Crisis Response Program to Serve All Unincorporated Areas
In moments of crisis, the right kind of help can change the outcome — and sometimes, that help isn’t a police officer with flashing lights. It’s a trained professional arriving with a calm voice, a clipboard, and a willingness to listen. That’s the foundation of Harris County’s Holistic Assistance Response Team (HART), a program that has been reshaping local emergency response since 2022.
Now, HART is about to reach even more residents. On August 7, under the leadership of Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones, Harris County Commissioners Court approved 16 new positions to expand the Harris County Public Health (HCPH) unarmed, mobile crisis response team to all unincorporated areas of the county, according to a Harris County Precinct 4 release.
A Shift in Crisis Response
HART teams consist of behavioral health specialists and on-scene medical providers who respond to diverted 911 calls that do not require law enforcement. These calls often involve mental health crises, homelessness, welfare checks, or other non-violent needs.
Since its launch, the program has handled over 20,000 calls and helped hundreds of residents avoid unnecessary criminal charges, redirecting them instead to essential services. This approach not only provides the right kind of care but also frees up law enforcement resources for higher-priority situations.
“Police play a critical role in public safety, but they can’t do it alone,” said Commissioner Briones. “I remain committed to HART, and I am energized by the opportunity to enact changes that will ensure the program meets its full potential.”
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The expansion will add 15 emergency medical technicians and crisis intervention specialists, plus one outreach worker. This will increase coverage countywide and lay the groundwork for potential 24/7 operations in the future.
“The additional teams will allow HART to expand to all Harris County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) patrol districts to respond to more non-violent calls and alleviate the burden on law enforcement and EMS partners,” said Lupe Washington, Director of Community Health and Violence Prevention Services for HCPH.
Proven Results
HART’s impact has been steadily growing. In April 2025 alone, teams responded to 872 calls — the highest monthly total in six months — with record numbers of residents connected to housing, transportation, and mental health services.
One recent case involved a resident dealing with a family disturbance. A HART team was dispatched, successfully de-escalated the situation, assessed the person’s needs, connected them with mental health services, and assisted with employment resources.
“Diverting an individual from the criminal justice system helps that person get treatment, and it prevents further exacerbation of our overcrowded jail and the backlog in our courts,” Commissioner Briones explained. “It really is a win-win.”
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A Model for the Nation
HART’s “Fourth Response Model” has been drawing national attention. The Harvard Kennedy School Government Performance Lab has highlighted the program as a model for other jurisdictions seeking compassionate, community-based safety solutions.
“HART’s model will positively influence other jurisdictions and show the necessity for our holistic approach to providing care,” Washington said.
How Residents Can Reach HART
Residents in unincorporated Harris County can request HART services by:
- Calling 911 and asking for HART.
- Calling the Harris County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency number at 713-221-6000 and requesting a HART unit.
- For non-emergency situations, calling Community Health and Violence Prevention Services at 713-274-4877 to speak with HART staff.
- In life-threatening emergencies, residents should still call 911.
As HART expands into every unincorporated corner of Harris County, leaders hope it will not only save lives but also inspire other communities to adopt more compassionate approaches to crisis response.
Stay connected with My Neighborhood News for updates on the rollout of expanded HART services and future public safety initiatives in Harris County.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
