John Blake, speaking for BMS/paramedics, briefed the Ada County Emergency Medical Services District Dec. 23 on recent outreach to system partners — hospitals and other community resources — following state reductions in funding for care of people with severe mental illness. Blake said the focus among partners has been communication, connection and monitoring to coordinate responses as needs change.

Blake told the board that some clinicians and partners expect that people who lose tailored services may deteriorate in the near term, saying "we'll know soon because many of these folks will decompensate in about 30 days." When a commissioner mentioned a larger statewide figure, Blake said he did not have the exact number of people currently being tracked or managed and apologized that specific figures were not available during the briefing. Blake said the Association of Sheriffs had reacted quickly, signaling the potential burden on law enforcement and emergency services.

Board members discussed monitoring plans and coordinating locally with partners. Blake said the EMS and partner agencies will continue to monitor and react as needs emerge.