Each year, 1 in 5 people are likely to encounter a mental health challenge. If you, or anyone you know, is experiencing a mental health crisis, the Regional Crisis Call Center is just a call or text away. Operating 24/7 around the clock, you can talk or text with empathetic and trained professionals who will offer immediate assistance, such as referrals for community services and guidance on behavioral health services. Simply dial the call center directly at 703-527-4077, or text 85511.

Through Marcus Alert Legislation, the Fairfax County Department of Public Safety Communications (9-1-1) is coordinating with the Regional Crisis Call Center to connect people to mental health or behavioral health assistance in non-emergency situations. The Regional Crisis Call Center, required in the Marcus Alert law, serves as a hub connecting people with non-emergency behavioral health needs to phone support and resources, and regional mobile crisis teams to people desiring in-person support.

In Fairfax County, Marcus Alert protocols integrate seamlessly with existing initiatives in the County. These initiatives include Diversion First, and the Co-Responder Program, an existing partnership between Fairfax County Police Department and the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board. Crisis Intervention Teams are trained law enforcement paired with trained clinical staff responding to behavioral health related emergency and non-emergency calls in the community. First responders in the County are coordinating with behavioral health clinicians whenever feasible.

Help 9-1-1 and first responders by entering your health information on the Emergency Health Profile. When calling 9-1-1 during an emergency or behavioral health crisis, your vital health information is made available to the dispatcher. By setting up an Emergency Health Profile that is unique to you, essential health information can assist first responders in providing better care to you in an emergency.

Remember, you are not alone, and help is just a call or text away.