The District has developed a Community Assistance Referral and Education Services (CARES) Program to assist members of the Quilcene and Coyle communities who are in need of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) for low acuity assistance calls (calls that are nonemergency or nonurgent) by connecting them to primary care providers, other health care professionals, low-cost medication programs, and other social services.

The primary role of EMS will always be focused on providing optimal care to acutely ill or injured patients. The Quilcene Fire Rescue (QFR) CARES Program is an enhancement that provides community outreach and assistance to reduce unnecessary medical care and dependency on limited EMS resources and improve patient outcomes.

The QFR CARES Program will offer assistance, referral, and education to individuals and families facing various challenges that may include a temporary crisis (health, behavioral, financial); chronic behavioral health crisis, including addiction; and unsupported elders in rural areas. Specific services provided by the program may include social service referrals, community outreach, and senior assistance.

For more information about the QFR CARES Program, email qfrcares@qfr2.org.