Wake County aims to reduce emergency visits through shared data for frequent users

The Wake County government meeting held on April 7, 2025, focused on addressing the challenges faced by individuals frequently utilizing crisis services, referred to as "familiar faces." These individuals often experience complex medical and behavioral health issues, inadequate housing, and food insecurity, which are critical social determinants of health. Many are also Medicaid eligible and have repeated interactions with the criminal justice system.

The discussion highlighted the need for improved data sharing among various services, including emergency medical services (EMS) and behavioral health providers. A case study presented illustrated the frequent encounters of a single individual with crisis services over a nine-month period, emphasizing the costly nature of these repeated interactions. The goal is to implement a shared data technology system that would allow for preventative measures, such as notifying individuals of upcoming court dates to reduce failures to appear, and coordinating care to avoid unnecessary emergency room visits.

The meeting underscored the importance of addressing the needs of this vulnerable population through strategic behavioral health initiatives. It was noted that previous data analyses did not include health data, which could provide a more comprehensive understanding of the costs associated with emergency department utilization.

Overall, the meeting aimed to outline a strategic plan to enhance support for familiar faces in Wake County, ultimately seeking to improve their health outcomes and reduce the burden on crisis services. Further steps will involve the integration of data systems to facilitate better communication and care coordination among service providers.