The City of Des Moines City Council Work Session on July 7, 2025, focused on several key initiatives aimed at improving public safety and health services in the community. A significant portion of the discussion centered around the Fire Prevention Bureau's efforts in mobile integrated healthcare and the impact of these initiatives on emergency response calls.

The Fire Prevention Bureau highlighted its collaboration with neighborhood groups to enhance community health services. This includes addressing issues such as false alarms and food safety concerns. A notable feature of the bureau's operations is the partnership between fire and police departments, which has been in place since the 1980s. This collaboration includes a trained accelerants detection dog named Yahtzee, who plays a crucial role in investigations.

One of the most impactful initiatives discussed was the mobile integrated healthcare program, which aims to reduce emergency calls by providing services directly to residents in their homes. The program has shown promising results, with a reported 2% decrease in total emergency calls this year. Specifically, the number of emergency medical service (EMS) calls has decreased by 4%, a significant shift after years of increasing call volumes. The program has particularly focused on high-volume users, identifying 85 individuals responsible for 1,450 calls, and working to connect them with necessary services.

Additionally, the acute care station at Central Iowa Shelter and Services has been instrumental in reducing the need for ambulance transports. By establishing relationships with shelter residents and providing immediate care, the number of dispatches to the shelter has decreased from 260 to 162. This proactive approach has resulted in 90% of contacts at the shelter not leading to hospital transports.

The council also discussed the administration of Narcan, which has seen a 41% decrease, although officials noted the volatility of these numbers due to fluctuating drug availability in the community.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the City of Des Moines' commitment to enhancing public health and safety through innovative programs and community engagement. The positive trends in emergency response metrics reflect the effectiveness of these initiatives, suggesting a potential model for other cities to follow.