Before the STAR program began, Denver's 911 system was limited to addressing 911 calls through traditional ways, like sending police. Calls for health and safety issues were routed one of two ways: either through the police or the health/hospital system. STAR created a third option.

When someone calls 911 for something like a mental health crisis, substance use issue, welfare check or even something like homelessness or poverty, their call can now be routed to STAR, which sends a behavioral health professional and a paramedic to the person in distress.

When the STAR mobile unit arrives, the individual in crisis can be assured that the interaction is grounded in a harm reduction, trauma-informed philosophy. The team, dressed in street clothes, provides direct clinical de-escalation and community service connections, as well as on-demand resources such as water, food, clothing and basic living supports.