Mesa Fire Department enhances community health through innovative social services programs

The Mesa City Council's recent study session highlighted a groundbreaking initiative aimed at enhancing community health and safety through innovative social services. Chief Forrest Smith presented a compelling overview of the fire department's community risk reduction program, which focuses on preventing emergencies before they occur.

During the meeting, Chief Smith revealed that over half of the new recruits in the fire department expressed a desire to become firefighters, showcasing the program's effectiveness in attracting talent. This initiative not only serves as a recruitment tool but also allows the department to evaluate potential hires while providing essential services to the community.

A key component of the program is the home safety education initiative, which has successfully reduced emergency calls related to fall injuries by an impressive 64%. This proactive approach involves fire crews identifying individuals in need of additional resources during their responses, leading to referrals to the social services division. The program has also effectively addressed the needs of high utilizers—individuals who frequently call for emergency services—resulting in a 45% reduction in calls from this group.

Chief Smith emphasized the collaborative nature of the program, which involves partnerships with local nonprofits and community organizations to address broader social determinants of health, such as food insecurity and housing assistance. This holistic approach not only improves individual quality of life but also strengthens community bonds.

Council member Spilsbury praised the department's compassionate efforts and inquired about community involvement. Chief Smith confirmed that collaboration with local organizations is integral to their strategy, further enhancing the program's impact.

As the city continues to innovate in public safety and community health, the Mesa fire department's initiatives stand as a model for integrating emergency services with social support, ultimately fostering a safer and healthier community for all residents.