Cook County Public Health and Human Services (PHHS) is transitioning its mobile crisis response program to First Call for Help (FCFH), a non-profit based in Grand Rapids, MN. FCFH currently operates a mobile crisis response team in Itasca County and also operates a regional call center for the 988 crisis help line, serving 47 counties throughout the state. The transition, which will take place throughout the summer of 2026, will be finalized in late fall. Per Minnesota state law, all counties must have a mobile crisis response program. 

Beginning as a local crisis line in 1974 called the “Nightingale Help Line," FCFH evolved into a non-profit operating under the current name in 1986. The organization further expanded in 1999 by partnering with Minnesota United Way as a 2-1-1 Call Center Hub across seven north-central Minnesota counties. Based in Grand Rapids, FCFH manages the local 2-1-1 network, a physical crisis mobile response team for Itasca County, operates 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline calls, and runs dedicated helplines for veterans, youth, and farming communities. 

During a presentation at the May 2026 PHHS board meeting, FCFH Executive Director Cre Larson and Veterans Crisis Response Team (VCRT) leader Illa Glisson shared that the organization already has the established software, specialized training pathways, and policy frameworks necessary to manage the administrative and licensing operations that Cook County has sought to maintain internally.

Larson and Glisson are currently spending the week in the area, meeting with county leaders and PHHS community partners to discuss the transition. The two shared with Boreal Community Media that this project will be the first time they expand their physical mobile response teams to a location outside Itasca County, where they currently operate. 

"We are excited, can already feel the support from the Cook County community, and are up for the challenge," they said. Larson and Glisson also shared that, while they can build on the program base PHHS has already established, along with the experience, resources, and knowledge FCFH has, they know and welcome the fact that the Cook County program will evolve naturally on its own. 

"Cook County is not like Itasca County or any other county, and the program will evolve to meet the needs of the community," Larson said. 

Along with assisting someone experiencing a mental health crisis, suicidal thoughts or tendencies, or substance abuse, FCFH can also help family or friends of those on site. FCFH also has a specialized response process for professionals who may feel hesitant to seek help from someone local. 

The two, along with PHHS, are hosting a Mobile Crisis Response Open House on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, from 3:30-5:00 p.m., at the Cook County Community Center, to share information about the transition. 

Additionally, PHHS is looking for community members interested in becoming mobile crisis responders. According to Larson, crisis responders will be employed by FCFH once the transition is complete in the fall. Currently, they're looking for individuals with mental health-related certifications and training, including current or former law enforcement, EMTs, social workers, RNs, and veterans, etc. Available positions include everything from a full-time role to flexible "pick-your-own" schedules.

Those interested are encouraged to stop by the open house on the 17th or reach out to Grace Grinager at 218-387-3620 or [email protected]. 

Background

Currently, Cook County's mobile crisis response program consists of one responder working Monday-Thursday, and contracting with Brightwater Health (formerly the Human Development Center) to provide the state-mandated 24/7, 365 days a year after-hours coverage via telehealth (phone or video only). 

Additionally, because the nearest inpatient psychiatric and crisis stabilization units are located in Duluth, Cook County Sheriff's Office deputies or North Shore Health EMTs frequently became the default transport providers during acute emergencies, removing personnel from the county for entire shifts. 

According to PHHS, transferring operations to FCFH will help alleviate these challenges and increase the availability of consistent, locally based, in-person crisis coverage.

At a May 2026 PHHS board meeting, the board voted five to one, with one abstention, to accept the transition from the PHHS mobile crisis response to FCFH. Under the new model, existing state grant funding for the current mobile response team will transfer directly to FCFH, and the financial impact on the county will be neutral.

Grinager told Boreal Community Media that after the transition, PHHS will continue to provide several community resources on mental health and substance use prevention, including workshops, training, groups, case management, and more for adults and youth. 

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, suicidal thoughts or tendencies, substance abuse, emotional distress, or just need to talk to someone, call or text 988. For other local mental health resources, see below:

Image: Cook County Public Health