New E.C.H.O. program looks to enhance community safety

Published on March 11, 2025

The Village of Oak Park recently launched the initial phase its E.C.H.O. (Engaging Community for Healthy Outcomes) Program, an innovative initiative designed to enhance community safety and well-being by offering compassionate responses to non-emergency and low-risk calls for service through 911 dispatch. This program reflects Oak Park’s commitment to reimagining public safety and meeting the diverse needs of our neighbors.

What is E.C.H.O.?

E.C.H.O. 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 by fostering collaboration between internal and external public safety and emergency response providers.

How does E.C.H.O. work?

A cornerstone of E.C.H.O. is Community Care Navigation, which 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 for 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.

Meet the Care Coordinators

As part of the program’s initial rollout, the Village has hired its first two Care Coordinators. These dedicated professionals will play a vital role in the success of the E.C.H.O. program by offering specialized support to the Oak Park Police and Fire departments. Their expertise in behavioral health, crisis intervention and social services is expected to help bridge the gap between emergency response and long-term solutions for community members in need.

Community Impact

The implementation of E.C.H.O. is anticipated to have a significant impact on the Oak Park community. By providing specialized responses to non-emergency situations, the program aims to:

• Enhance Public Safety: Addressing non-emergency situations with appropriate resources allows law enforcement and first responders to focus on higher-priority incidents, thereby improving overall public safety.
• Support the Unhoused: E.C.H.O. offers resources and assistance to individuals experiencing homelessness, connecting them with services that can provide long-term solutions.
• Strengthen Community Trust: By collaborating with community partners and providing appropriate responses to various situations, E.C.H.O. fosters trust between residents and service providers.

For more information about E.C.H.O., visit www.oak-park.us/ECHO or contact the Neighborhood Services Department at ECHO@oak-park.us or 708.358.5640.

About Oak Park - The Village of Oak Park, located just nine miles west of downtown Chicago, offers a distinctive urban/suburban lifestyle in a thriving, multi-cultural community. Well-known for progressive values, tree-lined streets and bustling business districts, Oak Park serves as an ideal place to live, work and play. As a longstanding community of choice, the Village benefits from convenient access to local and regional transit, high-quality public schools, and arts and cultural attractions, including Frank Lloyd Wright’s home and studio and his acclaimed Unity Temple, which was recently designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site.