South King Fire announced this week that it has launched an innovative Mobile Integrated Healthcare (MIH) program aimed at addressing complex health issues within the community, reducing unnecessary emergency room visits, and improving overall wellness for residents.

Since its inception on July 1, 2024, the MIH program has already made 380 contacts with individuals in need, providing services that extend beyond traditional emergency response to offer proactive, patient-centered care.

The program’s key components include in-home health assessments, collaborative care with local partners, and data-driven decision-making to continuously meet evolving community health needs.

“Our mission is to safeguard the community and enhance the quality of life by empowering our community through mobile resources,” said Deputy Chief Lisa Defenbaugh. “The MIH program aspires to improve wellness and healthcare delivery, ensuring our citizens receive the help they really need.”

The MIH program uses a coordinated approach to reach residents where they are, addressing not only medical but also mental health needs. It prioritizes high-risk individuals, like frequent EMS users and senior citizens, by providing proactive health assessments and interventions tailored to their needs. Additionally, the program collaborates with healthcare providers, social service agencies, and community organizations to create a seamless network of care for vulnerable populations.

This initiative represents a critical step forward, according to Fire Chief Dave Van Valkenburg.

“The MIH program represents a significant step forward in the level of service South King Fire can provide our community. I’m very proud of the work we have done so far, and I’m excited to see how the program grows to meet the increasing demands of our residents,” Van Valkenburg said.

The program also aims to optimize the department’s resource utilization, improve emergency response effectiveness, and reduce overall strain on emergency services.

South King Fire’s MIH program will additionally address fall prevention, link individuals to mental health and crisis intervention services, and improve healthcare access for underserved populations. As the program develops, it aims to ensure that every resident has access to timely, preventative care and health education within their own homes and neighborhoods.

Key components of the MIH program include:

  • Outreach through Referral: Identifying high-risk individuals, such as frequent EMS utilizers and seniors, to provide proactive health assessments and interventions.
  • Home Visits: Conducting in-home visits to assess living conditions, provide health education, and ensure follow-up care compliance.
  • Collaborative Care Coordination: Partnering with local healthcare providers, social services agencies, and community organizations to facilitate seamless coordination of care.
  • Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilizing data analytics to refine the program and meet the evolving needs of the community.

Program Objectives:

  • Coordinate Care and Resources: Collaborate with local healthcare providers and services to provide comprehensive support tailored to individuals’ unique circumstances.
  • Reduce EMS Utilization: Addressing underlying healthcare and social service needs to reduce unnecessary emergency calls.
  • Mental Health Care: Connecting patients with community mental health services and crisis intervention.
  • Improve Access to Healthcare: Reaching underserved populations and connecting them with appropriate services.
  • Fall Prevention: Coordinating with local programs to prevent falls and related injuries.

“MIH is a strategic opportunity to enhance community health outcomes, optimize resource utilization, and improve overall emergency response effectiveness,” the agency added. “By addressing the underlying healthcare needs of the community, South King Fire aims to reduce the strain on emergency services and foster a healthier, safer, and more resilient community.”