Release posted on 10-28-25 at 9:41 AM

The St. Petersburg Police Department and its Community Assistance and Life Liaison (CALL) program were nominated for the first annual First Responder Community Impact Award. The nationwide contest recognizes agencies and departments making a positive impact on mental health in their community.

The winning agency/department will receive a $4000 check from FHE Health, a national behavioral health provider.

About the St. Petersburg Police Department's CALL Program In February 2021, St. Petersburg Police partnered with Gulf Coast Jewish Family and Community Services (Gulf Coast JFCS) to launch the Community Assistance and Life Liaison (CALL) program. This innovative initiative diverts non-violent, non-criminal 911 calls related to mental health, substance use, youth behavior, homelessness, and other quality-of-life issues, away from law enforcement and into the hands of trained social work professionals.

Each year, CALL engages with nearly 5,000 community membersmore than 95% of the time without police involvement. CALL navigators provide on-scene de-escalation, resource connection, and follow-up care, available seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m., with a 24/7 support line for current clients.

Finalists for the First Responder Community Impact Award will be selected through an open public vote on FHE Health's site from October 29 through November 9. A panel of FHE experts will choose the winning agency/department.

Key Dates for First Responder Community Impact Award:

• Public Voting: October 29 - November 9
• Top 10 Announced: November 11
• Winner Announced: November 14

For additional information about CALL please contact: Hana Cowart, Director of Corporate and Community Engagement, at media@gcjfcs.org.