LYNN – The Lynn Calm Team has shared updates on its progress and accomplishments since its recent launch in the City.
The unarmed community response program, which started its pilot program this June, provides mental health support, conflict resolution, and public safety assistance to community members in need.
The Team focuses on nonviolent and nonthreatening interventions for nonemergency situations, and it responds to situations either by being reached on the phone or by conducting one-to-one active outreach.
During a Government Affairs meeting at the Lynn Chamber of Commerce last Wednesday, Lynn Calm staff members provided insight into the results of their early efforts. From July 21-Aug. 24, the Lynn Calm Team received 32 calls, a number which was below what was originally expected.
Community Manager J. Javier Valdez offered an explanation behind the seemingly low call rate, comparing their approach to Lynn’s Behavioral Health Unit (BHU).
“We expected more calls. But unlike BHU, who only comes when they’re called or dispatched, the Lynn Calm team is always out on the streets, out in the community, and always making connections and being proactive,” Valdez said.
He added, “Many of those interactions likely would have been calls had the Lynn Calm team not responded while they already were out in the community. So that’s why we’re seeing less calls than we anticipated.”
During these dates, the Lynn Calm Team conducted 49 active outreach visits for a total of 81 community interactions.
As for the calls that were received, 50% were regarding public health and safety issues, 32.9% dealt with conflict resolution, and 17.1% handled mental and behavioral health concerns.
Further demographics include 58% Hispanic/Latino, 18% unknown, 15% White, and 9% Black for total interactions. The interactions included 57% men, 40% women, and 3% undisclosed.
The Lynn Calm Team is available Mondays from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Tuesday-Friday from 8:30 a.m.-8 p.m., and Saturday-Sunday from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. The Team can be reached at (781) 905-2256, and non-urgent questions should be sent to [email protected]. Emergency situations should be sent to 911.
