Bikers on John Nolen for Ride the Drive.
City of Madison

CARES Teams Acquire Long-Awaited Response Vehicles to Better Support People in Crisis

posted 

Madison Community Alternative Response Emergency Services (CARES) is now better equipped to provide comfortable transportation and mobile accommodations for people experiencing non-violent behavioral health emergencies. This is thanks to the recent delivery of specialized Ford Transit vans that were ordered in 2024.

Each CARES team will now respond in a "CARES van." These vans are designed to keep people out of the elements. They feature a table and seating to allow for personalized consultation. The vans also carry medication and a variety of supplies that support individualized care for people in need of CARES' assistance.

CARES is a specialized service provided by the City of Madison that is designed to be an additional available resource for non-violent behavioral health emergencies. Each CARES team is comprised of a Madison Fire Department community paramedic and a Journey Mental Health crisis worker.

CARES responds to calls weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and weekends from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Learn more about CARES.

A CARES van on display in front of the Madison Public Market
CARES will now respond to non-violent behavioral health emergencies in customized Ford Transit vans.
A collapsable table surrounded by seats in the back of the van
Each CARES van is equipped with a collapsible table and special seating to allow personalized consultation.
The back of the van carries medication and a variety of supplies
The van carries medication and a variety of supplies to support people in need of CARES.
CARES team members gather around the CARES van
Each CARES team is comprised of a Madison Fire Department community paramedic and a Journey Mental Health crisis worker.
Departments:
Was this page helpful to you? * required