Divisions
Community Assistance Referral and Education Services (CARES)
The CARES program can assist with people who need social support, medical assessment and care, or assistance with home safety, and adding connections to resources. Our goal is to help people locate and utilize the appropriate resources to improve their living situation, reduce risk, and prevent dependance on 911. CARES provides advocacy, support, education, and accountability for vulnerable community members.
The CARES Team provides direct short-term services that include medical assessment, treatment, education, advocacy, falls risk assessments, and home safety assessments throughout Clark and Southern Cowlitz Counties to all CARES clients needing assistance.
The CARES program will focus on two program services to address community needs through acute response and follow up:
CARES 21 – ACUTE CO-RESPONDERS
Team includes a Community Paramedic and SeaMar Mental Health Professional that can respond alongside an EMS or law enforcement response for behavioral health and social crisis events. Will work to divert emergency services if the incident is deemed to be non-emergent and will work to identify and utilize other more appropriate resources.
CARES 22 – REFERRAL FOLLOW UP
Team includes a Community Paramedic, Social Worker, RN, and a Risk Reduction Specialist that manages referrals to get vulnerable individuals connected to social, medical, environmental support and services. Provides direct short-term services that include medical assessment, treatment, education, and advocacy. Team does not respond to emergency incidents, however, follows up with patients who need longer-term support to minimize risks.