Olympic Health Recovery Services to aid Tumwater Fire Department under new deal

The Tumwater City Council approved a contract with Olympic Health & Recovery Services on September 16 to enhance assistance for emergency responders dealing with behavioral health crises. Mayor Debbie Sullivan will sign the contract, which authorizes the agency to provide a certified crisis clinician and a peer navigator who will work alongside the Tumwater Fire Department. This initiative will ensure 24-hour crisis response coverage, with the team available through the regional crisis line, 988, and by monitoring fire department dispatches. Chief Brian Hurley noted that while the team will spend considerable time with the fire department, they will also have a dedicated office on Lee Street. Funding for this partnership comes from a Washington Health Care Authority grant, making Tumwater's team one of only two community-based crisis teams in Washington state.

The collaboration is made possible by House Bill 1134, which directs the HCA to fund such initiatives. Executive Director John Avalos emphasized the program's goal to provide appropriate responses to behavioral health crises and reduce the use of first responder services. The team will have transportation capabilities to assist individuals in accessing necessary resources voluntarily.