Meeting the Moment: MCIU’s Journey of Compassion and Recognition in New Orleans

In the vibrant heart of New Orleans, where the community’s spirit runs as deep as its cultural roots, a dedicated team of mental health professionals has been quietly transforming crisis response. The Mobile Crisis Intervention Unit (MCIU), a program of Resources for Human Development (RHD) in partnership with the New Orleans Health Department, recently received a powerful affirmation of their life-changing work: an official proclamation from Mayor LaToya Cantrell recognizing their unwavering commitment to mental health crisis response in the city. 

A Proclamation of Purpose 

“A City’s Recognition, A Team’s Dedication”—these words accompanied the recent honor bestowed upon our MCIU team. The proclamation represents far more than a ceremonial gesture. It symbolizes a city acknowledging that mental health care belongs at the forefront of community wellness and that compassionate crisis response is essential infrastructure for a thriving New Orleans. 

Day in and day out, our MCIU team meets people where they are, offering compassionate, on-the-ground support during moments of crisis. Since 2023, MCIU has received over 6,000 calls, served over 4,800 individuals, and had an average response time of less than 10 minutes and 24 minutes on the scene.  

The proclamation celebrates this lifesaving work and champions the power of community-based care in addressing mental health challenges. 

Breaking Barriers Through Education 

Recognition comes as MCIU continues its mission beyond crisis response. Throughout May, in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, our team has been leading a citywide awareness campaign with a uniquely New Orleans approach: “Sack Stigma, Tackle Thoughts, Punt Perceptions, Recover the Fumble, Finish Strong, Dominate the Game.” 

This campaign leverages the universal language of football to communicate a vital message about mental health awareness and community support. As Tyesha Davis-Rhodes, LCSW, Program Director of MCIU, explains, “Mental health is one illness that does not discriminate when it comes to ‘penalties’ or who is affected. Everyone in our community has been impacted by mental illness in some way.” 

Our team has been actively engaging with community members through educational workshops, resource fairs, and awareness events designed to break down barriers and provide accessible information about mental health resources. 

Making Headlines, Changing Minds 

The local media spotlight has recently turned to MCIU’s innovative approach to crisis intervention. News coverage has highlighted how our trained professionals respond to mental and behavioral health crises with dignity-centered care rather than criminalization or hospitalization when appropriate alternatives exist. 

This coverage amplifies our core message: mental health crises deserve mental health responses. 

The Team Behind the Mission 

Behind every crisis call answered, every community workshop facilitated, and every connection made stands a team of dedicated professionals committed to compassionate care. These are the faces of MCIU – clinicians, peer support specialists, and case managers who bring both expertise and empathy to each interaction.  

“Just like in football, we need the entire team to play and win the game,” says Davis-Rhodes. “Mental wellness is about valuing the small gains, yard by yard, to achieve the big win.” 

To our dedicated team members who show up each day with open hearts and skilled hands: Thank you for showing up, speaking up, and standing up for mental health in our city. 

Looking Forward: The Work Continues 

As we accept this proclamation with gratitude, we recognize that our work is far from complete. Mental health challenges remain prevalent in our community, requiring sustained commitment and innovative approaches to care. 

Dr. Jennifer Avegno, Director of the New Orleans Health Department, notes, “Mental health is just as important as physical health, and ensuring that residents experiencing a crisis receive the right care at the right time remains a top priority for us.” 

Together, we can build a New Orleans where mental health crisis receives compassionate responses, where stigma no longer prevents people from seeking help, and where community care becomes the standard rather than the exception.