VIDEO: Newport News is launching a new program aimed at getting people help instead of handcuffs. The Community Assistance Response (CARE) program aims to provide initial crisis intervention services for those who are experiencing mental or behavioral health issues. It is a partnership among the police and fire departments and the Community Services Board. In their first week, the CARE teams already responded to 30 calls. “We have individuals in the community that have called 911 over 300 times in a year and a lot of the calls are very minor issues that can be solved with other resources,” Fire Chief Jeff Johnson told WAVY. This program will hopefully also free up police and fire crews to respond to emergencies and better serve the entire city.