partner with us

We are building safer communities through strong partnerships and local collaborations

Responding to Communities

Building communities where people living with mental health illnesses feel safe and supported requires strong partnerships between governments and local agencies.

In 2019, the Office of Performance & Innovation (OPI) - now the Department of Performance Management & Innovation (DPMI) - at the City of Minneapolis developed the blueprint for the Behavioral Crisis Response (BCR) by analyzing law enforcement responses to mental health crises, researching best practices, engaging with community members, and pushing for public safety infrastructure integration. OPI sought out a community-based partner to provide the service and in 2021, Canopy Roots responded to that call for service and courageously stepped up to the challenge to further develop, implement, and operate the BCR.

The BCR, launched in December 2021, is designed to divert 911 mental health emergencies from police to a new community-based civilian team – Canopy Roots. During our first year of operation, the BCR has responded to over 7,600 emergency incidents across the city. This inaugural partnership between Canopy Roots, the City of Minneapolis, and the Minneapolis community, has allowed us to build a compassionate, trauma-informed, and culturally affirming mental health service model that is expanding our view of care and offers a new resource for community members to receive the support they need. 

Partnership Highlight: Minneapolis, MN

Since the launch of the Minneapolis Behavioral Crisis Response unit in December 2021 to December 2022, Canopy Roots has: 

  • Responded to over 7,600 calls via 911 with zero injuries to recipients or responders due to intentional and detailed protocols and policies.

  • Hired a predominantly BIPOC workforce of highly trained mental health professionals and practitioners to mirror the community.

  • Redefined the public safety infrastructure by becoming Minneapolis’ 4th first responder, alongside Fire, EMS, and Police.

Partner with us

We know that the effects of trauma and mental health issues impact people of all ages nationwide. Getting support should not be complicated.  Instead, we believe behavioral crises should be treated like any other emergency with trained professionals dispatched via 911. 

We welcome the opportunity to collaborate with public and private partners who share our goal of building a safer community.

Does your community have these same goals? If so, let’s chat!

You can reach us by completing the form below or sending a message.