Henrico citizens eligible to add their information to Virginia’s 911, Marcus alert systems
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Henrico citizens now may add their information to Virginia’s 911 and Marcus alert systems as part of a new voluntary database that’s designed to provide first-responders with potentially valuable information when they respond to calls for service.
Citizens with behavioral health illness, mental health illness, developmental or intellectual disability, or a brain injury (or their parents or legal guardians) may submit their information to the database by visiting http://henrico.us/services/marcus-alert-database.
Any information submitted will be made available only to the 911 alert system and the Marcus alert system. The goal of the new database is to help alert first-responders to the possibility of mental illness or other health or behavioral issues that exist in people with whom they may come in contact during a call.
"The addition of a voluntary database to identify individuals' mental illness and developmental disability and emergency contact information adds one more tool to assist individuals experiencing mental health emergencies,” said Henrico Area Mental Health & Developmental Services Executive Director Laura Totty. “The database has the potential to strengthen a coordinated response among public safety and mental health agencies. This coordinated response offers the opportunity for better outcomes for many individuals and to reduce unnecessary hospitalizations.”
The Marcus alert system is named for former Henrico resident Marcus David-Peters, who was shot and killed by police in Richmond in 2018 after charging them while naked on an entrance ramp to I-95 North just off Chamberlayne Avenue. David-Peters suffered from mental illness.
"This service is another opportunity to assist those in the community that may need additional resources. Having a coordinated response alongside our mental health professionals is paramount," said Henrico Police Lt. Matt Pecka.
An update to the Virginia Code requiring all state localities to require similar voluntary databases took effect Thursday, the first day of the state’s new fiscal year.
For details about mental health services available in Henrico County, contact Henrico County Mental Health and Developmental Services at (804) 727-8515 or the 24-hour crisis line at (804) 727-8484.
