The team – a partnership between Orange County and the towns of Chapel Hill and Carrboro – is now responding to crisis calls in Carrboro and will soon add a second mobile unit to extend its operating hours in both towns.
After a successful first year in Chapel Hill, the Crisis Assistance, Response, and Engagement (CARE) team is now serving Carrboro and is planning to add staffing for a second mobile unit, which will allow for longer operating hours.
The CARE team responds to a variety of 911 and crisis calls that do not require a law enforcement response. The team is a partnership between Orange County and the towns of Chapel Hill and Carrboro.
“In its first year in Chapel Hill, the CARE team logged 1,234 responses ranging from wellbeing checks to outreach among community members who are experiencing homelessness,” said Chapel Hill Police Chief Celisa Lehew, whose department is home base for the existing team. “This continues to be an incredible team effort with Orange County, and we’re excited to collaborate with the Town of Carrboro, to support even more community members.”
The North Carolina Department of Human Services (NC DHHS) allocated $790,640 to Alliance Health to support the expansion and operations of the CARE team. This marks a $211,140 increase from the program’s pilot funding in 2024.
“We’ve seen firsthand how many of our residents face crises that don’t require law enforcement, but do require care, compassion, and connection to resources,” said Orange County Board of Commissioners Chair Jamezetta Bedford. “Recognizing that need, Orange County is proud to expand the CARE Team partnership into Carrboro — with the goal of eventually making this level of support available countywide.”
In Carrboro, the CARE team’s arrival is part of the Police Department’s commitment to provide wide-ranging support for people struggling with challenges that are often unrelated to law enforcement matters.
“I’m so glad that this program is now available in Carrboro,” said Chief Chris Atack. “The CARE Team will allow people in crisis or challenging circumstances to quickly access real-time care and meaningful assistance.”
Leaders from each of the local governments are working together to hire staff for the second mobile unit and plan to share more about extending operating hours later this year.
Contacting the CARE team
Right now, the CARE team is available Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Anyone in Chapel Hill or Carrboro can contact the team by calling 911 or 919-732-5063, which is Orange County’s non-emergency number.
About the CARE team
The CARE team, which responds both in-person and by phone, provides a therapeutic and holistic response to crisis calls, which is an evidence-based best practice.
The mobile portion of the CARE team consists of a crisis counselor, a peer support specialist – someone who has lived experience with challenges vulnerable community members face – and a community emergency medical technician.
The mobile team is complemented by another crisis counselor in Orange County’s 911 call center, who can begin helping callers even before the CARE team arrives in person.
The UNC School of Government will continue to evaluate the program, and a community-based advisory team will share input that helps guide the program into the future.
Media Contacts
Catherine Lazorko
Town of Carrboro
clazorko@carrboronc.gov
919-918-7314
Alex Carrasquillo
Town of Chapel Hill
acarrasquillo@townofchapelhill.org
919-968-2866
Wil Glenn
Orange County
wglenn@orangecountync.gov
919-245-2302