“The goal is to connect with people; build relationships.”  That is what Poulsbo Fireman Dave Musselman told Kingston North Kitsap Rotarians at their Dec 8 meeting.  Musselman was speaking about Poulsbo’s Poulsbo Fire Cares program.  Along with Poulsbo’s Housing, Health and Human Services Director, Kim Hendrickson, Musselman described a program, modeled after one in Port Angeles, that provides outreach to people in crisis.  There are some sixteen such programs operating in the State of Washington.

    Simply put, when a 911 call is received, when there is no need for police response, Poulsbo Fire Cares - one unit consisting of Musselman and a community support specialist - reaches out to listen, to hear the need, then provide referrals to outside social service agencies such as Fishline, Catholic Community Services, YWCA, etc. 

    Poulsbo Fire Cares went into business in January 2021.  To date it has helped more than 300 people, half of which were seniors, half with mental health issues.  The goal is to divert from hospitals - saving thousands of dollars - and jail.  Common calls involve those feeling suicidal, older adults who are disoriented, those injured from drinking, the homeless, and people feeling lonely.  

    Moving forward, it is hoped the program can be expanded beyond Poulsbo to involve North Kitsap Fire & Rescue and Bainbridge Fire, thus serving the entire North Kitsap and Bainbridge Communities.  

    About connecting with people, Hendrickson, the Housing, Health and Human Services Director, said it is sometimes a long process when rarely the first approach is successful.  She said “sometimes it takes a fifth or sixth approach where a person says, yes, I can use your help.”