WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.) submitted a Community Project Funding request of $766,000 today for Health One Expansion for the City of Seattle, Wash. to the House Appropriations Committee.

"Health One saves lives and helps so many in the community,” said Mayor Jenny A. Durkan. “This is an award-winning program that ensures that dedicated and specially trained professionals are available to provide care for our neighbors experiencing non-emergency medical or behavioral health challenges. In recent weeks, the City of Seattle has scaled this program by adding a new unit and service areas. As we continue to deepen investments to expand public safety alternatives like Health One we are freeing up our first responders and allowing them to focus on emergency situations."

This project would add capacity to Seattle’s existing Health One program to respond to referrals and nonviolent emergency 911 calls with behavioral health professionals and crisis care management teams. Health One is oriented toward service to vulnerable and under-represented communities and individuals who struggle to access health and social services. Approximately half of clients served are experiencing homelessness; many of the other half reside in supportive or low-income housing.

Another response team would allow Health One to reach an additional 1,000 individuals through referrals each year. The current Health One program, and similar diversion programs for non-violent 911 calls, have demonstrated success in providing more appropriate behavioral and mental health support than traditional 911 response, reducing unnecessary interactions between police and community members, and helping ensure emergency response programs are meeting the needs of the community. 

Click here for information about other Community Project Funding requests submitted by Congressman Smith.

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