 (From left) Lieutenant Jeff Miller, HSD Case Manager Riley De Hoog, Firefighter/EMT Will Whatley
A milestone in the effort to save, engage overdose patients
In August, Seattle Fire Department (SFD) firefighter/EMTs administered buprenorphine for the 100th time as part of their successful pilot program to help patients experiencing an opiate overdose or active withdrawal. This effort highlights the strength of SFD’s partnership with the Human Services Department (HSD), to save lives and quickly engage overdose survivors to increase acceptance of services and referrals for support.
After Mayor Bruce Harrell’s 2023 Executive Order on a public health and safety response to fentanyl, the SFD launched Health 99. It dispatches a Post-Overdose Response Team including an HSD case worker to provide follow-up outreach services after patients are resuscitated. In early 2024, the Buprenorphine Pilot Program began with SFD paramedics, and in late 2024 it was expanded with Seattle becoming the first city in the country to allow firefighter/EMTs to administer this lifesaving medicine.
"Reaching the 100th administration of buprenorphine is an important milestone in our response to the opioid crisis,” said HSD Director Tanya Kim. “Our HSD caseworkers work alongside the Fire Department to provide immediate support and connect people to services. This partnership ensures that life-saving care in the field is linked to the resources and guidance people need to begin recovery.”
Study: Fresh Bucks improves food security, access to healthy foods
A new study from the University of Washington (UW) shows that the City of Seattle’s Fresh Bucks program significantly improves food security and access to healthy foods for enrolled households. Fresh Bucks is helping people with low-incomes access more nutritious foods, reducing the risk of diabetes, heart problems, and other health risks.
Operated by the Seattle Office of Sustainability and Environment, enrolled households receive $40 per month in Fresh Bucks to purchase produce at 45 retail locations across Seattle. According to UW’s study, Fresh Bucks households experience a 31% higher rate of food security and consume at least three daily servings of fruits and vegetables 37% more often than those assigned to a program waitlist.
Fresh Bucks, along with City investments in meal programs, food banks, Farm to Preschool, summer meals and more, shows Seattle’s commitment to improving community food security and achieving other food system goals. Check out HSD’s Food & Nutrition Resources and the Seattle Food Action Plan to learn more.
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