City of Springfield Launches BEACON Project to Strengthen Community Crisis Response

Mayor Misty Buscher announced the launch of the Springfield BEACON Project (Bridging Emergency And Community Outreach Network), a new initiative funded by national opioid settlement dollars aimed at transforming the city’s response to opioid-related and mental health calls for service.
 
The BEACON Project brings together the Springfield Police and Fire Departments, the Office of Community Relations, and local behavioral health partners to create a unified crisis response system. The initiative deploys co-responder teams that include first responders and licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs) who can provide both immediate care and connections to long-term treatment and recovery services.
 
The Springfield Fire Department will also introduce a specially equipped BEACON Outreach Life-saving Treatment (BOLT) vehicle to serve as a mobile response and stabilization unit for behavioral health emergencies.
 
“Springfield is committed to using every available resource to save lives and build stronger, safer neighborhoods,” said Mayor Misty Buscher. “Through the BEACON Project, we’re ensuring that when residents call for help, they’re met with compassion, expertise, and real pathways to recovery.”
 
The project is part of the city’s broader effort to address substance use, expand access to behavioral health care, and reduce overdose fatalities. Funding for the BEACON initiative comes from Springfield’s allocation of the national opioid settlement funds.