New response team launched for behavioral health crisis situations in Tumwater

The Tumwater Fire Department unveiled a Mobile Outreach Team dedicated to 24-hour crisis response services for behavioral health issues, announced on Friday, Oct. 10. Staffed by a certified crisis clinician and a peer support member, the team employs a co-responder model to address emergencies effectively. This initiative is provided under a contract with Olympic Health and Recovery Services, approved by the Tumwater City Council on Sept. 16, ensuring a dedicated response to mental health crises.

The partnership is funded by the Washington State Health Care Authority, allowing Tumwater to utilize OHRS services at no cost. The Mobile Outreach Team will be dispatched via the Regional Crisis Line, available at (360)754-1338 and the regional 988 crisis line. In addition to crisis response, the team will assist local fire and police departments during emergencies. The initiative also supports the FD-CARES program, which helps link 911 callers to necessary resources. This collaboration signifies a proactive approach to enhancing mental health support in the community, aiming to improve outcomes for individuals in crisis.