A CIT Program is important for communities to develop because it creates a safer, more coordinated, and more compassionate response to people experiencing behavioral health and/or IDD crises. By building strong partnerships between law enforcement, behavioral health and IDD providers, and community agencies, CIT ensures that crises are approached with de-escalation, understanding, and access to appropriate care— rather than unnecessary justice involvement. This collaborative model reduces injuries, builds public trust, improves outcomes for individuals and families, and ultimately helping communities build a crisis system that prioritizes safety, dignity, recovery, hope and shared responsibility.