Pilot Program Frees Up First Responders
Downtown Seattle is on the comeback trail and the CARE Crisis Team is helping move the needle in the right direction. Crews get dispatched with police, or cops call them to assist in situations that usually involve some type of mental health or substance abuse problem.
When I recently went for a ride along, I witnessed a fentanyl addict reach out for help and immediately get connected to recovery services. They say relationship building on the streets is everything.
Last year, Mayor Bruce Harrell bet on this pilot program to help free up first responders in the city and so far it’s working.
I’m launching a more in-depth story in the coming days with Acting CARE Chief Amy Smith who is also tackling some controversial topics like “housing first” and “harm reduction.”
Here’s a quick preview of the progress being made in the hotspots.