North Mason fire starts Resource Access Program

The North Mason Regional Fire Authority wants residents to know about a new program that might reduce the strain on the 911 system. According to fire district Executive Assistant Renee Wassenaar, data suggest 1% of the population generates about 20% of emergency medical calls and that "chronic" 911 use is often an indication of "a health or social vulnerability."

"Frequent users typically suffer from combinations of chronic medical diseases, psychiatric disorders, drug and alcohol dependence, and in-home challenges," Wassenaar stated. "These individuals often call 911 because they need support for a range of medical and nonmedical needs, but do not have the resources to seek out alternative solutions."

Wassenaar said it's

"particularly challenging in rural areas such as North Mason" where, she noted, there are fewer primary care providers and services might be limited on evenings and weekends.

The purpose of the fire authority's new Resource Access Program is to identify such patients, investigate their circumstances, and reduce their dependence on emergency medical services by linking them with resources "more appropriate to their situations," according to Wassenaar.

The RAP program launched this month under the management of the district's new emergency prevention specialist, Abe Gardner. Gardner is responsible for building relationships with human and social services organizations within the community.

"He will also identify potential program participants by reviewing call logs and receiving referrals from fire authority crew members," Wassenaar said.

The RAP team consists of fire authority Community Response Team members who have been trained for the program.

"Once individuals have been identified, Abe will make contact and coordinate a formal evaluation," Wassenaar stated. "During the initial assessment, the RAP team will identify hazards, focusing on trip hazards, lighting in the home and in-walk areas, grab bars and lift handles and other notable safety needs," from smoke detectors to home address signs.

Wassenaar said the RAP team will also assess "necessities" such as adequate food, cleanliness, clothing, shelter, "companionship, supportive social networks," and other "important day-to-day needs."

That includes the ability to obtain prescription medications - both financially and physically.

"Through scheduled follow-up home visits, the RAP team will address identified hazards where possible, and refer the individual to the appropriate community resources that can provide further assistance," Wassenaar stated. "It's important to note that the RAP team will not provide medical care of any kind. Rather, they will identify an individual's needs on all levels, assist where they can, and fill in gaps through referrals to appropriate resources."

The North Mason fire district has information available on its other programs and news, including its

recently purchased crew quarters and its acceptance of applications for volunteer wildland firefighters. Go to northmasonrfa.com.

More information about the Community Response Team, including how to join, is at bit.ly/3sGLXCT.