Baltimore to overhaul how it responds to calls for mental health and other services

WYPR - 88.1 FM Baltimore | By Scott Maucione

Published July 15, 2026 at 4:49 AM EDT

Baltimore is setting up a fourth branch of first responders in addition to fire, police and EMS. They will handle calls for people needing mental health support, but also connection to city services.

Related Content

Todd Blanche's confirmation brings one Epstein survivor to center stage

Ava Berger

Dani Bensky and a group of women who were abused by Jeffrey Epstein have formed a bond they call a "survivor sisterhood." They live in two worlds, of advocacy and everyday life and motherhood.
Todd Blanche faces high-stakes confirmation hearing for attorney general

Ryan Lucas

Blanche won Senate confirmation early in President Trump's second term to serve as the No. 2 official at the Justice Department. Now he faces a contentious hearing as he seeks the top job.
Trump administration's proposal to shift management of grizzly bears causes confusion

Hanna Merzbach

Interior Secretary Doug Burgum says he's turning management of threatened grizzly bears in states that share Yellowstone National Park to state governments. What exactly that means is not yet clear.
How the federal government is responding to the worsening western fire season

Chris Clements

The bad summer fire season predicted for Western states is in full swing, with more and larger fires predicted. Federal officials say they have adequate resources to fight them, for now.
Mystery bidder buys T. rex nicknamed 'Gus' for a record $50 million

The Associated Press

A Tyrannosaurus rex fossil billed as one of the world's largest and most complete specimens was sold for a record $50.1 million Tuesday to a mystery bidder.

You make NHPR possible.

NHPR is nonprofit and independent. We rely on readers like you to support the local, national, and international coverage on this website. Your support makes this news available to everyone.

Give today. A monthly donation of $5 makes a real difference.