DENVER — Denver's STAR program to send mental health help instead of police to some emergencies gets lots of praise. What it doesn't get to - is about half the possible calls. The program missed thousands in 2023.
According to Denver's Department of Public Safety, Denver 911 answered 1,350,546 incoming calls in 2023. Of those calls, 15,125 were deemed eligible for a STAR response, and STAR responded to 7,657 calls, which is 50%. A call can be deemed eligible for a STAR response regardless of whether STAR is available at the time of the call.
"It points to the need to build capacity to the program," said Vinnie Cervantes, Chair of the STAR Community Advisory Committee, the oversight board that offers input on the program. The program right now has about 30 team members and eight vans. It isn't enough to help people in crisis.
Cervantes said one of the biggest problems in meeting demand is funding. "Knowing these are critical issues that people experience – mental health, substance use, poverty-related issues, homelessness-related issues – that they are not getting the help they need," he said. "We know it probably needs three times the funding it has right now.
" STAR responds to any person in Denver needing urgent help related to mental health distress, poverty, homelessness, substance misuse and resource needs. The team can offer crisis intervention, transportation and resource connection to community partners. Evan Thompkins, a STAR program specialist, said they are do.
