Leveraging Data to Strengthen Alternative Response Programs

How can alternative response leaders build data systems that power daily operations and drive lasting impact? 

Across the country, many city leaders are launching alternative emergency response programs to better support people experiencing mental health crises and quality-of-life concerns. As these programs move from pilots to a part of a city’s core emergency services, many are grappling with a common set of questions: 

• How do we know if our program is making a meaningful difference? 
• When and where do we grow next to maximize impact? 
• How do we use our data to keep getting better?  

Join the Government Performance Lab on Thursday, March 19, from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. ET for the second call in our four-part Alternative 911 Emergency Response Series on our publication, “Leveraging Data to Strengthen Alternative Response Programs.” This session will highlight how leaders from Durham’s Community Safety Department (DCSD) designed and use their data system to help drive operations. 

Leaders from DCSD will share practical lessons and key takeaways included in the Innovations in 911 Response Series to help you think about how to set up data systems that actually help you improve operations and identify opportunities for growth.  

Register Here

Panelists Bios: 

• Anise Vance, Assistant Director, Durham Community Safety Department

Vance joined DCSD as Assistant Director shortly after the program was established. At that time, his primary role was to build the team, including supporting hiring, culture, and partnerships. Now, Vance is also responsible for developing data and performance systems for DCSD in addition to providing broad support to the director.

• Shylah Duchicela, Program Impact Strategist, Durham Community Safety Department

In her role as Program Impact Strategist, Shylah is responsible for ensuring the department’s case management and reporting systems meaningfully reflect frontline practice. She serves as the primary liaison with Julota (DCSD’s case management software provider) and partners with program managers and shift supervisors to clarify theories of change, refine goals and metrics, and build capacity to use data to continuously improve crisis response operations. 

• Moderator: Yen Mai, Fellow, Harvard Kennedy School Government Performance Lab  

Mai is a Government Innovation Fellow with the GPL’s Safety and Justice team, specializing in scaling high-impact alternative response models nationwide. She supports cities trying to turn fragmented data systems into powerful tools that expand non-police responses to 911 calls.