San José, California Launches Pilot Connecting People In Crisis With Care

The San José Fire Department (SJFD) will launch a Community Paramedicine pilot on October 1, 2026. The six-month pilot will establish a dedicated Mobile Care Unit to follow up with residents whose medical, behavioral health, substance use, or social service needs may not be resolved through a traditional 9-1-1 response and emergency room visit. Mayor Matt Mahan identified the pilot as a priority during the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026-27 budget process and directed the City Manager to identify funding and ways to measure its effectiveness.

The San José City Council approved $880,000 for the pilot . . .