In the wake of the deadly mass shooting, Philadelphia officials are urging people to call police or the city's mental health resource line when they see suspicious social media posts or think somebody might need help.
It's one of a handful of directed efforts from the city and the police department to better address mental health concerns in the community.
Jill Bowen, commissioner of Philadelphia’s Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services, said the city amplified its efforts to build out its behavioral health crisis system after the killing ofWallace’s family called for help because he was in the midst of a mental health episode. When two Philadelphia police officers arrived, they found Wallace armed with a knife.
"You don’t have to wonder should I call? Or is this the right number? Just call. Whatever the question or need is... they will direct you appropriately," Bowen said Rev. Cean James of the Salt & Light Church, which is a few blocks from where the shootings took place, opened his doors the next morning to anyone. He's hosted vigils and invited both congregants and people outside the church to speak to a counselor or spiritual advisor on staff to process the shooting.
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