University of Oregon Study Finds CAHOOTS Program Diverts More Calls Than Previously Reported
University of Oregon researchers have determined that the CAHOOTS program's rate of diverting calls away from law enforcement or emergency medical services is significantly higher than initially reported, according to a NPR for Oregonians update.
Eugene, OR, September 27, 2026 —
A recent update from NPR for Oregonians highlights findings from researchers at the University of Oregon concerning the CAHOOTS program. The study indicates that the program is successfully diverting a significantly higher percentage of calls away from traditional law enforcement and emergency medical services than was previously understood.
The CAHOOTS (Crisis Assistance Helping Out On The Streets) program is a mobile crisis intervention team that responds to mental health-related calls for service. It aims to provide immediate, compassionate care and connect individuals with appropriate resources, thereby reducing the burden on police and ambulance services for non-criminal, non-life-threatening situations.
While the specific figures detailing the initial reported diversion rate and the newly determined higher rate were not provided in the NPR for Oregonians update, the research conducted by University of Oregon scholars points to a notable increase in the program’s effectiveness. This suggests that CAHOOTS is playing an even more substantial role in crisis response than previously quantified.
The implications of a higher diversion rate are significant. It means that more individuals experiencing mental health crises are receiving specialized, de-escalated care from trained professionals, rather than involving law enforcement or emergency medical personnel who may not be equipped for such specific needs. This can lead to improved outcomes for those in crisis and a more efficient allocation of public safety resources.
The University of Oregon’s research adds further evidence to the value and impact of community-based crisis intervention models like CAHOOTS. The specific methodology and the precise numerical findings of the study are expected to be detailed further as more information becomes available.
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