According to new data released in our Bringing Community Responders to Erie County report, over 80% of 911 calls to Buffalo Police do not involve crime or violence, and yet police are almost always sent. Instead, community responder teams composed of health professionals and trained peers can be safely deployed without police to many calls and prevent situations from escalating into a crisis. Teams provide person-centered care and emotional support including de-escalation and mediation, non-emergency medical care, basics like food and water, and linkage or transport to community resources such as shelters or treatment facilities for further care.