The Center for Public Safety Excellence® (CPSE®) Center for Innovation (CPSE CFI) released our third Strategic Scan on Community Needs and Co-Responder Programs, which can be downloaded here. Co-Responder programs pair first responders with other human services professionals, such as clinicians and social workers, to help address gaps in community health services, repeat 9-1-1 callers, and excessive use of hospital emergency departments.

Data were gathered in January and February, 2026 with the Strategic Scan detailing the drivers of program development and key considerations for program design and funding. Fire Chiefs also described their challenges related to staffing, regulatory authority, and calculating benefits and return on investments.

Using the results, the Strategic Scan proposes six actionable takeaways:

  • Conduct a comprehensive community needs assessment.
  • Plan for sustainable funding models that reduce reliance on short-term grants.
  • Prioritize workforce readiness and support for co-responder personnel.
  • Establish clear and measurable program goals.
  • Use program data to demonstrate value and inform decision-making.
  • Design co-responder programs with adaptability in mind.

“This strategic scan surfaces a number of interesting findings about the state of co-responder programs,” said CPSE CFI Board Vice President Alexander Henderson, Ph.D., CTO, Associate Professor, Marist University. “The significant proportion of agencies operating or developing a program – nearly half – demonstrates the willingness of Fire and EMS leaders to attempt to solve some of our most pressing community challenges. Additionally, the diversity of program design is fascinating, with leaders developing programs with differing lead agencies, deployment hours, and partnerships that are right for their communities.”  A special thank you to Marist University, where Dr. Henderson is an Associate Professor.

“The Columbus Correct Care program was created to ensure that residents in crisis receive the most appropriate response, not just the fastest one,” shared Fire-EMS Chief Salvatore Scarpa, CFO, CFAI Commissioner Representative on the CPSE CFI Board of Directors, when asked about his department’s co-responder program.“ By combining emergency response with care coordination and comprehensive health support, we are improving outcomes for vulnerable individuals, reducing repeat system use, and strengthening the overall effectiveness of public safety in Columbus.”

The Strategic Scans are part of our Actionable Research program, where we ask CFAI-accredited agencies and CPC Chief Fire Officer® designees about their approaches to emerging issues. We utilize a panel of progressive, mission-oriented fire chiefs to help us develop survey questions and interpret the results.

CPSE launched the CPSE Center for Innovation in 2024 to serve as a catalyst for innovation in the fire and emergency service. As a trusted resource for innovative practices, the CPSE looks forward to giving back to the fire and emergency service through the CPSE CFI. Since our launch, the CPSE CFI has seated our Board of Directors, hired our inaugural Director,  launched our Innovation Museum, and convened our Industry Advisory Council.

Download the CPSE CFI Strategic Scan on Community Needs and Co-Responder Programs here.

About CPSE CFI

The CPSE Center for Innovation serves as a catalyst for innovation in the fire and emergency service. A wholly owned 501 (c)(3) nonprofit subsidiary of CPSE, CPSE CFI will highlight innovative solutions developed by CPSE-accredited agencies and credentialed professionals and address an industry-wide gap in evidence-based decision making. Learn more at https://www.innovationcpse.org