A program to pair first responders with behavioral health workers has begun in Springfield.
Mayor Misty Buscher and Springfield fire officials formally launched the BEACON program on Tuesday morning at Fire Station 6 on 11th Street.
BEACON stands for Bridging Emergency and Community Outreach Network.
An apparatus named Rescue 1 will respond to BEACON calls for mental health, substance use and opioid-related emergencies with a goal of providing appropriate care quickly and freeing up police and emergency room resources.
