August 2024 Update

The Community Safety Department (CSD) has expanded its crisis response and case management efforts. They are working to promote mental health stabilization and wellbeing throughout Cambridge.

Starting the week of July 15, the CARE Team began responding to mental health-related calls and delivering notifications for emergencies that do not involve criminal matters, investigations or homicides. The three new call types are in addition to “Needle Pick Up” calls that the CARE Team has been dispatched to since February.  

During the first four days of expanded calls, the CARE Team responded to six calls from the City’s Emergency Communications Department. Four of these calls were a direct request for a CARE Team response and two were mental health-related calls. One response occurred at a local library, in which a community member was experiencing mental health distress. Due to concern from library patrons and staff, the CARE Team responded, were able to help the community member on-site, and then find them a local shelter thanks to the strong relationship they have established with First Step, who help bridge the City with essential services such as shelter and mental health services. 

Beyond the crisis response to 9-1-1 calls, the CARE Team has also been doing direct, targeted outreach in the different Cambridge neighborhoods, with a focus on Central Square. They have served many community members by assessing individuals’ mental health, wellness, and concrete needs. They’ve also visited homeless encampments in Cambridge to mediate quality of life concerns and distribute supplies when needed. Since early 2024, the CARE Team has already served 5,585 community members through targeted outreach.  

The CARE Team also works with community members to provide case management and referrals. Since spring of 2024, the CARE Team has served 24 community members on an ongoing basis. Case management services include housing search, addressing food insecurity, eviction aid, emotional support, referrals to partner organizations and other basic need support and services. The CARE Team has also cultivated strong relationships with local organizations, like the Salvation Army and Christ Church Cambridge, to better support community members. 

The Community Safety Department expects to continue to phase in additional call types over the coming months. 

International Overdose Awareness Day

International Overdose Awareness Day will take place on August 29^th, from 1:30 – 4 pm at City Hall for those who wish to attend. Organizers also offered the following statement:

“Every day, we see lives around us being changed and lost to opioid overdose. Overdose does not discriminate – it could be you or someone you love, a friend, colleague, or your neighbor. In honor of International Overdose Awareness Day, the Cambridge Public Health Department, the Access Drug User Health Program, the Cambridge CARE Team, and the Cambridge Police Department will gather to recognize and remember the lives lost to opioid overdoses. Join us on August 29th at 1:30-4:00 p.m. at City Hall to remember the loved ones we have lost. We will also be providing some materials for harm reduction and health promotion. It’s time to remember. It’s time to act.

If you or a loved one need help or support with recovery, free and confidential help is available 24/7 through the Massachusetts Substance Use Helpline, 800-327-5050. The Cambridge Public Health Department also offers free naloxone and overdose prevention education."

To continue its dedication to combatting food insecurity in Cambridge, the Community Safety Department has collaborated with Food For Free in their Heat-N-Eats Program. Taking fresh ingredients, members of the CARE Team met with other volunteers to pack dozens of frozen healthy meals ready to be reheated for families facing financial hardship. CSD appreciates the opportunity to give back and is inspired by the continued efforts of Cambridge nonprofits that are committed to bettering the lives of those in need.

We are looking for a few more all-stars to join our team! CSD values diverse life experiences and is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Bilingual, bi-cultural, persons of color, LGBTQIAA+ people and those with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. We know the confidence gap can get in the way of meeting incredible candidates, so please don’t hesitate to apply. We look forward to connecting with you!

CARE Clinician