Cal Jenkins, MS, Assistant Director of Research and Evaluation

Cal Jenkins, M.S., is the Assistant Director of Research and Evaluation for the Clear Pathways Initiative. In this role, she leads the Initiative’s 9-1-1 and 9-8-8 interoperability efforts. This includes conducting a 9-1-1 call system assessment, developing an interoperability strategy, and directing the Crisis Response Pilot to test this strategy in Ohio communities. Cal collaborates with both subject matter experts and local partners for the implementation and evaluation of the pilot, and she presents this work to national audiences focused on improving crisis response.

As an Ohio-based consultant, Cal has contributed to the development of the statewide behavioral health crisis services directory and worked with Nationwide Children’s Hospital on the Integrated Care for Kids pilot project. Prior to her work in Ohio, Cal acted as an assistant and coordinator at the Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute. She provided technical assistance for emergency room and jail diversion programs, including Texas’ first multidisciplinary response team.

Cal holds a B.A. and M.S. in Criminology from The University of Texas at Dallas, graduating magna cum laude. During her studies, she served as the president of both the Black Student Alliance and the Criminal Justice Honor Society. Cal’s primary focus is designing solutions at the intersection of health and criminal legal systems.