Show your support for a mobile crisis intervention team by signing up to give a comment at the Medford Council meeting the first and third Thursdays of the month. The Rogue Valley needs more support for those struggling with homelessness and suffering from mental health and addiction crises.

A mobile crisis intervention team in the Rogue Valley would save money, reduce arrests and help keep people out of jail and get connected to services instead.

What is a mobile crisis intervention team?

A 24/7 free response team available for non-emergency medical care and a broad range of non criminal crisis including homelessness, intoxication, substance abuse and mental illness as well as dispute resolution and conflict mediation.

Why do we need one?

Programs like CAHOOTS (Crisis Assistance Helping Out On The Streets) based in Eugene, have seen major success in reducing arrests, de-escalating crises and connecting community members to social services.

What are we asking for?

We are asking the Medford council to commit to supporting the development of a mobile crisis intervention program in the Rogue Valley. This would include working with other local governments to help fund and develop the program!

How can I help?

If you would like to see a mobile crisis team in the Rogue Valley, please show up to the council meeting at 6pm on Thursday and sign up to give public comments at the beginning of the meeting.

If you can’t make it this week, the council meets every 1st and 3rd Thursday at 6pm at City Hall. You can also email Medford council members at council@medford.or.us.

Medford City Council 1st and 3rd Thursdays

When: Every first and third Thursday, starting at 6:00pm

Where: Medford City Council Chambers located up the elevator to the third floor at 411 W. 8th Street, Medford

Agenda: The agenda for this meeting is not available yet. It is usually published a few days ahead of the council meeting. When they are available, Medford City Council Meeting Agendas can be found here.

Tips on speaking at a city council meeting:

What to Expect: Masks are required to attend council meetings. You will need to sign up to speak when you get there. When your name is called, you will walk to the microphone and be given 2 minutes to speak.

Write it down – If you plan to speak at the hearing, it can be helpful to write out what you want to say ahead of time. Make sure you include why you care about this issue and what you want the council to do. Here are some facts about the proposal to get you started.

When you speak:

• Introduce yourself | First, state your name and address while speaking clearly for the record.
• Remember titles | When speaking to the Council it is common to address them by their titles as Mayor and Council.
• Keep it personal | How does this issue impact you and our community? Why do you care?
• Keep it brief | You’ll probably have a maximum of three minutes to speak. Ten people speaking for one minute is more powerful than one person speaking for ten minutes. If you have more to say, you can always submit it through written testimony.
• Stay on topic | Always tie your testimony to the subject at hand.
• Make a clear ask | Make sure to bring your testimony back to a clear ask for action. Relax | Remember to breathe and take your time. You’ll do great!

The last few years have proven that when we show up as a community, things change. Hope to see you there!

Team RAC