IHART Funding

The Integrated Health & Resource Team (IHART) is a mobile community resource team serving the city of Vallejo. The team provides services to those experiencing a mental and behavioral health crisis.

We support permanent funding for the IHART program in Vallejo. Send an e-mail to the Vallejo City Council by clicking the following link, or by copying and pasting the text below:

To:

Helen-Marie.Gordon@cityofvallejo.net, Charles.Palmares@cityofvallejo.net, Tonia.Lediju@cityofvallejo.net, JR.Matulac@cityofvallejo.net, Alexander.Matias@cityofvallejo.net, Peter.Bregenzer@cityofvallejo.net, Andrea.Sorce@cityofvallejo.net

Re: Permanent Funding for IHART Program in City of Vallejo Budget

Dear Honorable Members of the Vallejo City Council,

I am writing to express my strong support for securing permanent funding for the Interdepartmental Help and Response Team (IHART) program within the Vallejo Police Department budget. IHART provides a critical service to our community, ensuring that individuals experiencing crises—particularly those related to mental health and substance use—receive compassionate, specialized care. Given the current low census of police officers on duty, IHART has become an essential resource in addressing non-violent emergencies and reducing the burden on law enforcement.

Currently, the program is designed to divert 70% of mental health-related calls (5150 calls) away from police response, ensuring that trained crisis workers, social workers, and medical professionals handle these situations instead. This approach reduces escalation risks, improves outcomes for individuals in crisis, and enables officers to focus on urgent law enforcement matters.

Furthermore, IHART ensures Vallejo residents have access to trauma-informed crisis response. Staffed by Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs), trained mobile responders, and behavioral health professionals, IHART provides essential support to at-risk and underserved community members, including those facing behavioral health crises, substance abuse challenges, or homelessness.

Despite the program’s success, IHART’s ability to maintain its vital work should not be hindered by the recurring struggle for funding. Constantly seeking financial support detracts from the program’s primary mission—serving the community. The instability of periodic funding disrupts long-term planning, staffing consistency, and the efficient delivery of crisis intervention services. A permanent funding commitment will ensure IHART remains a reliable pillar of public safety and health equity in Vallejo.

Cities across the country have witnessed the profound benefits of alternative crisis response programs—reducing unnecessary arrests, minimizing use of force, and improving outcomes for vulnerable populations. Vallejo has the opportunity to lead by example in prioritizing humane and effective public safety measures.

I urge you to recognize IHART’s invaluable role and commit to its continued funding as a permanent fixture within our city budget. Investing in IHART is not merely an expenditure—it is an investment in a safer, healthier, and more equitable Vallejo for all.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to your leadership in championing this essential program.