Clark-Cowlitz Fire Rescue (CCFR) recently partnered with the Southwest Washington Accountable Community of Health (SWACH) to establish a new pilot program in Clark County and Woodland. The Community Assistance Referral and Education Services (C.A.R.E.S.) program aims to advocate for community member needs through connection to services, education and effective use of resources for improving health in the community. The program follows models that have been established elsewhere in Washington State to better connect vulnerable and at-risk populations with resources they need for healthy independent living. “We have seen steady increases in people calling 911 for situations that may be better handled with other, non-emergency resources in recent years. Many times people in need don’t know what resources exist or how to reach them.