Hardship Assistance Response Team (HART)
What Is the Purpose of HART?
HART’s goal is to effectively manage individuals in crisis by focusing on our values of being innovative, driven, responsible and equitable, by providing people in crisis with behavioral health resources, on or near our transit system. HART is directly aligned with Pierce Transit’s mission of improving people’s quality of life by providing safe, reliable and accessible transportation services that are locally based and regionally connected.
How Does It Work?
The HART program sets up a mobile response team to provide on-call service that includes collaboration between a Designated Crisis Responder (DCR) and a Public Safety Officer or Law Enforcement Officer to respond to individuals in crisis within Pierce Transit’s system. The DCR serves as an advocate for the individual, especially when they cannot advocate for themselves.
After HART interacts with an individual, the Pierce County Crisis Team follows up to ensure a care plan is being followed.
Areas covered include Pierce Transit coaches, routes, facilities (including transit centers and Park & Rides), bus stops and shelters within Pierce County. Note that the HART program will generally operate outside the City of Tacoma, as Tacoma has its own, similar program.
What Types of Calls Does HART Respond To?
HART responds to non-emergency, non-criminal situations that may involve mental health issues, substance use or other, similar situations.
The HART program helps individuals in crisis by facilitating access to the assistance they need, often connecting them with a mental health facility and/or resources, rather than having them go to jail or a hospital.
