Alachua County is proud to announce that its Mobile Response Team (MRT) has won the 2025 National Association of Counties (NACo) Achievement Award. This recognition celebrates innovative and impactful county government programs nationwide that improve services for residents, increase government efficiency, and enhance the quality of life in communities.
The Alachua County Crisis Center has facilitated mobile crisis services for over 50 years, with both staff and incredible volunteers responding to the community.
In 2018, the center received additional funding to expand its efforts by hiring dedicated staff members, thereby strengthening the team.
The MRT operates 24/7, providing emergency behavioral health care and immediate, in-person or telehealth support to individuals experiencing severe emotional or behavioral distress—whether at home, school, work, or elsewhere in the community.
The team’s mission is to deliver compassionate care during life’s most challenging moments, reduce trauma, prevent unnecessary psychiatric hospitalizations, and minimize law enforcement involvement in mental health crises. Services include de-escalation, suicide risk assessments, safety planning, and follow-up care. The MRT is comprised of trained clinicians, a peer specialist, and crisis counselors who work closely with school staff, families, and law enforcement as needed.
“This program is a lifesaving collaboration,” said Crisis Center Director Ali Martinez. “We’re reaching young people in their most vulnerable moments and giving them the critical support they need—when and where they need it.”
In 2021, the MRT established a formal partnership with the Alachua County School District to provide immediate mental health crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to students throughout the county. Suicide remains the second leading cause of death among individuals aged 10 to 24, making these services a critical component of youth support and safety.
Since the agreement was signed with the Alachua County School District, the MRT has:
- Responded to 486 calls involving youth in crisis (ages 18 and under).
- Achieved a hospitalization diversion rate of 84.1%, helping families avoid unnecessary emergency interventions.
- Maintained a 99.3% on-scene response rate within 60 minutes, with an average response time of just 28 minutes.
- Delivered 160 educational presentations to school staff and community members on topics such as suicide prevention, bullying, and youth mental health support.
Learn more about the Alachua County Crisis Center and its programs.
For more information, contact Ali Martinez at 352-264-6792 or amartinez@alachuacounty.us.
