#AdvocacyMatters: Collaborating for Change
March 28, 2025 / #AdvocacyMatters
Since 2021, we have advocated for change in how our communities respond to crises... including programs that do not rely on a police response. We collaborated with partners in the Columbus Safety Collective to call on the city to create a non-police community response system and that program is now in development. But many other communities in Ohio don’t have the resources available to create similar systems of their own.
Over the past several months, we have been working with a coalition of organizations to include funding for a community response pilot program in Ohio’s biennial budget bill. The goal of the pilot program is to provide state funding to three communities (one rural, one mid-sized city, and one urban suburb) to create a community response program. This program is designed to provide flexibility for local communities to respond to individuals experiencing crisis, homelessness, and/or dementia who need a different kind of response to meet their needs
These pilot programs would integrate with 9-1-1 and 9-8-8 to respond effectively to calls from each hotline, and could build upon the current investments in the Governor’s proposed budget by utilizing the expanded statewide adult mobile crisis and 9-8-8 hotline.
“Law enforcement agencies and local jails are committing valuable resources to addressing issues that are better suited for a different kind of response,” reflected Jordan Ballinger, DRO’s Policy Director. “We have seen around the country and in Ohio the efficacy of these community response programs. This pilot program will help to shift the burden off of law enforcement agencies so their focus can continue to be public safety while addressing the needs of residents experiencing crisis.”
The House Finance Committee plans to reconvene next Tuesday to accept the next version of the state’s budget bill. DRO hopes it will include the $4,716,000 for this pilot program. This major step forward was made possible through the work of our coalition and the support of Representative Darnell Brewer. These meaningful investments will lead to safer and more inclusive communities for all Ohioans. #AdvocacyMatters