MARCUS Alert and Community Paramedicine Program
What is a Marcus alert?
The Marcus Alert is named after Marcus-David Peters, a black teacher who was fatally shot by Richmond police during a behavioral health crisis. The Marcus-David Peters Act is a Virginia law created to help coordinate care between emergency responders and mental health professionals during mental and behavioral health emergencies.
Western Tidewater Community Services Board (WTCSB) and the Suffolk Fire & Rescue have teamed up to create the MARC-1 team to uphold this initiative.
The mission of MARC (Medical Access and Resources for the Community) is to collaborate with local partners to identify and address healthcare gaps and provide a behavioral health response to behavioral health emergencies for the people within the City of Suffolk.
The MARC team is dispatched through the Suffolk Police Department and 988 from 11 AM –7PM, Monday through Friday.
When to Call?
You or a loved one is experiencing:
- Feelings of stress, anxiety, anger, sadness, and/or despair
- Suicidal ideation
- A behavioral health crisis or any kind of emotional distress
- Symptoms from substance use
A behavioral health crisis is not necessarily a mental health diagnosis. Just like physical health issues, we all can experience symptoms of a mental health crisis.
Examples of a Behavioral Health Crisis
- Someone experiencing grief from a loss of a family member or friend and having difficulties processing the event
- Someone experiencing homelessness and needs mental health treatment or resources
- Someone experiencing symptoms of dementia or Alzheimer’s
What Happens if Myself or a Loved One is Having a Mental Health Crisis?
Help is always available.
Call the Suffolk Police Department non-emergency line at 757-923-2350 OPT. 8
The Suffolk Police Department will assess your needs and determine what kind of support is needed.
Call 988
The National Suicide Prevention Line (988) will connect you with a local crisis center, assess your needs, and determine what kind of support is needed.
Call 911
If you are unable to reach someone at 988 or the Suffolk non-emergency line, or if there is a life-threatening emergency, please call 911. They will assess your needs and determine what kind of support is needed.
If I Call, Can I Request a Marcus Alert or a Member of the Marc team?
No matter what number you call, a team of dispatchers is trained to evaluate all factors of the situation and determine the best support. Always tell the dispatcher what your symptoms are so they can fully assess the situation and offer you or your loved one the best care possible.
All Crisis Services
Local & Area Resources
All Children’s Services
All Adult Services
All Disability Services
All Substance Abuse Services
Employee Portal
The WTCSB Employee Portal is the one-stop for staff communication, information sharing, WTCSB policy information, downloadable forms, and more. This area is reserved for employees of WTCSB only.
WTCSB Job Board
Become a part of a community that cares. As a whole, WTCSB strives to value staff, support diversity, and promote excellence within. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.
Who We Are
Western Tidewater CSB is the leading authority in mental health and developmental services in Franklin, Suffolk, Isle of Wight County, and Southampton County. Learn more about what truly sets us apart.