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Pasco’s resource navigators help frequent 911 callers; program funded by ARPA now shifting to general and ambulance funds
Summary
Pasco Fire Department resource navigators told the council they made 1,729 contacts last year and served 226 unique patients, focusing on frequent EMS callers and connections to housing, mental-health and substance‑use services. The program is ARPA‑funded through 2026 and will be blended into general and ambulance funds thereafter.
Pasco, Wash. — Pasco Fire Department staff presented results and financing plans Monday for the Pasco Resource Navigator program, which pairs a social worker and community health worker with part‑time mental‑health support to reduce repeated emergency calls and connect residents to services.
Chief Crowley introduced the two navigators, Steven Whitfield and Hannah Beckwith, who told council they focus on people with repeated EMS contacts — including people experiencing homelessness, mental‑health crises, substance‑use disorders, mobility issues and food insecurity. Whitfield said the team has flexibility to meet patients “in the homes, in the street, in the hospital” and does not require insurance, intake or appointments.
Council heard program metrics for the prior year: navigators reported 1,729 total contacts (face‑to‑face and phone), of which 766 were for medical or physical needs and 963 involved mental‑health or substance‑use issues; the team served 226 unique patients. Whitfield and Beckwith said average monthly referral volume is roughly 15–20 and they typically maintain 25–40 open cases between them.
The city initially funded the program with American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars; staff said ARPA funding continues through 2026 but the city has begun shifting ongoing costs into the general fund and the ambulance fund to sustain operations. “Majority of this is in the ARPA funding, which goes through the end of 2026,” Interim Director Garcia said. Chief Crowley added the city has “rolled it into our budget” to preserve the program.
Council members praised the program’s work and asked operational questions. Members noted gratitude for the navigators’ community presence and asked about grantseeking and staffing: the program currently comprises two full‑time navigators plus a part‑time mental‑health provider. Council also recommended staff seek additional grant funding and keep council apprised of funding needs before ARPA runs out.
No formal action was required at the workshop. Staff said they will continue to seek grants and provide updates to council on program outcomes and funding options.
