Eugene launches peer navigation program one year after CAHOOTS shutdown

It’s been just over a year since the crisis intervention program CAHOOTS stopped providing services in Eugene after the city decided to end its contract with the organization. The mobile team had operated in the city since 1989. Lane County launched its own crisis response team in 2024, and now, the city is partnering with Ideal Option to send peer navigators on non-emergency calls. Navigators will respond to welfare checks and connect community members to housing, behavioral health and other services.   Eugene-Springfield Fire Chief Mike Caven joins us to talk about the new program and the state of emergency response services in Eugene.