Seattle will launch a pilot program, called “Health One,” in which a team of specially trained firefighters accompanied by a social worker will help people downtown with mental health and substance abuse problems.
A special vehicle will be designated to serve as the lead Health One response unit to respond to incidents in the downtown core and adjacent residential neighborhood.
The goal is to reduce the number of non-emergency 911 calls and improve access to appropriate services for people with these issues.
“Many of the low acuity calls received by the fire department are related to homelessness, mental health, social needs, drug and alcohol use and chronic medical issues,” said Fire Chief Harold Scoggins. “These are healthcare needs that a typical emergency medical response unit is not well equipped to address.