Health Podcast Library
Season 1Episode 395

911 Fails People in Mental Health Crises. Here's a Plan to Fix It.

Sep 17, 2026
18:36

Episode Description

911 calls related to mental health are the most likely to involve police use of force. A new book offers a blueprint for a 911 redesign that could save lives.


Guests:



  • Rebecca Neusteter, Executive Director, University of Chicago Health Lab; Author of “911, What’s Your Emergency? The Promise and Peril of Crisis Response”
  • Ed Gonzalez, Sheriff, Harris County, Texas


Learn more: Read the full reporting and explore additional resources on our website.


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This episode was produced by Christine Herman, edited by Ryan Levi and Dan Gorenstein, and mixed by Andrew Parrella and Cedric Wilson.


The Tradeoffs theme song was composed by Ty Citerman. Additional music this episode from Blue Dot Sessions and Epidemic Sound.


Tradeoffs reporting for this story was supported, in part, by the Sozosei Foundation.


Thanks to all our listeners who help to support our work, including Daniel Woflson, Misha Fotoohi, Susan Carrel, Ellise Verheyen, Harold Pollack and David Asher.


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