Las Cruces residents now have a dedicated resource for mental‑health emergencies. Project LIGHT (Lessen the Incidence of Grief, Harm and Trauma), a mobile crisis team operated by the Las Cruces Fire Department, provides rapid, compassionate response to individuals in crisis and their families.

How Project LIGHT works

Since its launch in 2023, the program staffs one team from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Saturday. The team responds not only to mental‑health crises but also to overdoses, CPR calls, and death scenes. When a family member calls or texts the national 988 crisis line, they can request Project LIGHT. A police officer arrives first to secure the scene, then a team of four responders steps in, listens respectfully, and transports the person to a hospital of the family’s choosing.

Real‑life impact

A local mother recently described how she used 988 to get help for her husband, who was experiencing delusions and hallucinations. The responders arrived calmly, took his vitals, and escorted him to a hospital, allowing the mother to stay with her children and keep the situation dignified.

Why the service matters

Mental illness affects many in the community, from depression and anxiety to schizophrenia and substance‑use disorders. Without proper intervention, crises can lead to tragic outcomes, as seen in past incidents where family members were unintentionally harmed during mental‑health episodes. Project LIGHT aims to prevent such tragedies by offering a humane alternative to traditional police‑only responses.

Accessing help

Anyone in Las Cruces can dial or text 988 at any time. The service is available 24 hours a day, and callers receive local resources, including Project LIGHT, to ensure timely and appropriate care.

Original reporting: Las Cruces Sun News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.