E.C.H.O - Engaging Community for Healthy Outcomes

The data presented below reflects activity from February 2025 through September 30, 2025. It helps Village staff monitor program impact, identify barriers to services and strengthen community partnerships. Tracking repeat calls for service also enables the E.C.H.O. team to better understand household-level needs, reduce barriers to care and empower residents with tools and resources that promote long-term stability.

As this pilot continues, outcomes and trends will be reported to the Village Board every six (6) months. Up-to-date data on program activity is available below. Explore deeper at https://opendata.oak-park.us/echoactivity/

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E.C.H.O. (Engaging Community for Healthy Outcomes) is the Village's Alternative Response to Calls for Service Pilot Program. Developed in response to years of community advocacy and in alignment with state legislation and expert recommendations, E.C.H.O. seeks to provide compassionate, effective care through specialized response teams.

This initiative builds on:

• The Community Emergency Services and Support Act (CESSA) passed by the State of Illinois.
• Recommendations from the BerryDunn Community Safety Study(PDF, 2MB).
• Insights from the Village Manager's Alternative Response Task Force for Mental Health Crises(PDF, 451KB).

E.C.H.O. focuses on creating a holistic, community-oriented approach to service delivery while fostering collaboration with internal and external public safety and emergency response providers.

Community Care Navigation

A cornerstone of E.C.H.O., Community Care Navigation provides follow-up services and support for residents in need. Key features include:

• Connecting residents to additional resources following a 911 call or Village-initiated service.
• Rapid response to direct Village calls concerning unhoused individuals, traumatic community events and other urgent needs.
• Serving as subject matter experts in care coordination, housed within the Village.

Community Care Navigation also emphasizes partnerships, including:

• Re-establishing the Village’s intergovernmental agreement with Oak Park Township to participate in its Youth Engagement Program.
• Strengthening relationships with senior service programs.

Unarmed Service Response

To address low-risk calls that do not require a mental health or police response, E.C.H.O. introduces Community Service Officers (CSOs) — unarmed civilian members of the Oak Park Police Department.

CSOs will:

• Respond to calls such as property damage, minor thefts, motor vehicle accidents and falls or injuries on public property.
• Enhance response times and free up armed officers to focus on higher-risk situations.

E.C.H.O. represents a critical step toward a more inclusive and responsive public safety model. By addressing the unique needs of residents with specialized teams, the program fosters a safer, healthier and more connected community.