What is the Durham HEART Program?

• A. A hospital-based system reform initiative to reduce costs.
• B. A federal grant program for maternal health.
• C. A clinical trial for new medications.
• D. A community-based crisis response program focused on mental health crisis support without law enforcement.

Answer: (D)

Durham HEART is a community-based crisis response program that provides mental-health crisis support without involving law enforcement. The idea is to respond to behavioral health crises with trained crisis workers—often a team that includes behavioral health professionals, peers, and EMS partners—to de-escalate the situation, assess immediate needs, and connect the person to appropriate services or crisis stabilization rather than defaulting to police intervention. This approach aims to reduce harm, prevent unnecessary police contact, and improve access to follow-up care and supports in the community.

So, it’s not about hospital system reforms, federal grants for maternal health, or clinical trials. It’s specifically a non-police crisis response model designed to handle mental-health emergencies in the community.