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Tucson Collaborative Community Care (TC-3)

Mission

To reduce and prevent EMS system reliance by identifying the root cause of the behavior through the client's perspective and then address those needs by activating and collaborating with community resource

Vision

The collaboration between the Tucson Fire Department and Tucson Medical Center to form a community to care for the whole person.

PLEASE NOTE THAT ONLY TUCSON FIRE FIELD CREWS MAY REFER CLIENTS TO TC3

Goals

· Reduce the number of inappropriate 911 calls by identifying and addressing the underlying needs of individuals

· Improve access to appropriate resources and support for individuals to maintain their health and independence

· Improve overall health outcomes for the community

· Create a more efficient use of emergency services and resources

· Develop and maintain strong partnerships with community organizations and other healthcare providers to improve access to care

· Provide education and awareness to the community about appropriate use of emergency service

History

Tucson Collaborative Community Care (TC-3) began with two fire personnel visiting the homes of individuals who frequently called 911. They soon discovered that when they took the time to listen and understand problems from the client’s perspective and then utilize existing resources within the Tucson community to address those problems that their client’s 911 utilizations dropped drastically. In 2018 Tucson Medical Center became a partner in the collaboration by providing personnel and resources. Since then, the program continues to evolve to meet the needs of the community.

Process

TC-3 staff will process referrals from field crews and complete preliminary phone calls when possible. Navigators will visit the client to listen and discuss their needs. By understanding the client’s needs from their point of view, TC-3 will collaborate with various community organizations to address those needs.

The Team

The Management Team

Assistant Fire Chief - Mike Carsten

Community Risk Reduction Manager - Oscar Durazo

TMC Program Director - Maya Luria

TMC RN Manager - Joyce Drozd

TMC Data and Resource Specialist - Cheri Clinton

Community Partners

A vulnerable community member calling 9-1-1 frequently may be in need of a different type of response and support other than dispatching an engine crew or transporting them to the hospital. Tucson Fire's TC-3 Program, working through many robust community partnerships, connects those callers to resources and entities that can help address social determinants of health. Our community partnerships include but are not limited to behavioral health agencies, pet welfare, housing, and durable medical equipment. Tucson Fire's TC-3 partnerships with these community based organizations enable us to better serve our vulnerable community members.