An Open Letter to Our Community
Imagine this: someone you love is in a mental health crisis. They’re vulnerable, scared, and need compassionate care. But instead of receiving the help they need, they’re met with flashing lights, a police presence, or a costly ambulance ride. For too many, this scenario ends in a jail cell, an emergency room, or worse. Mobile crisis teams (MCTs) change this story.
MCTs are trained professionals who respond to crises with empathy and expertise, right where they happen. These teams provide immediate de-escalation, support, and connections to ongoing care. The result? People get the right help at the right time, and communities save money by reducing reliance on police, ambulances, and emergency rooms. It’s a smarter, more humane way to respond to mental health needs.
The Impact of MCAP
MCAP is a cornerstone of this work, providing a model for what mobile crisis response can look like when community needs are prioritized, and organizations are given the tools they need to succeed. By addressing mental health crises on-site, MCAP teams are not only helping individuals stabilize but also reducing the strain on our emergency systems. This means fewer ambulance rides, fewer police interventions, and fewer people ending up in emergency rooms for situations that could have been handled differently. What’s more, MCAP ensures everyone receives the care they deserve and helps to rebuild trust in communities.
Black Onyx Management’s Commitment
At Black Onyx Management, our work goes beyond recognizing the need for change—we are actively driving it. We are committed to partnering with organizations, government leaders, and community advocates to create sustainable and effective mobile crisis response programs. Through data-driven strategies and community engagement we aim to make these programs the norm, not the exception.
This is personal for us. We’ve seen how the right response at the right time can transform lives, families, and entire communities. We’ve also seen the cost—financially and emotionally—of getting it wrong. That’s why we’re dedicating our expertise, energy, and hearts to expanding programs like MCAP and advocating for more mobile crisis teams everywhere. Through our work with Black Onyx Management and initiatives like MCAP (Mobile Crisis Assistance Program), we are committed to reimagining mental health crisis response in ways that save lives, reduce costs, and promotes effective solutions.
How You Can Join Us
This work takes all of us. Whether you’re a public health professional, a policymaker, or a concerned neighbor, there are ways to make a difference. Advocate for funding and policies that support mobile crisis teams. Share stories about how these programs change lives. Encourage local leaders to invest in compassionate, cost-effective crisis response models.
Together, we can build a future where no one faces a mental health crisis alone, where every community has access to the right care, and where our systems work for everyone. Thank you for standing with us as we strive to create safer and healthier communities.
In partnership and solidarity,
Marshawn Wolley, CEO
Jasmine Black, VP Health Equity
Black Onyx Management