The San Bernardino County Fire Protection District (SBCoFD) is set to expand its community outreach efforts thanks to a generous donation from Arrowhead Credit Union through the ArrowHeart Foundation. In an announcement confirmed by the county's official news release, a transit vehicle, valued at nearly $37,000, will be used to bolster the Community Outreach and Support Team (COAST) program's capabilities in assisting those in dire need across San Bernardino County.
This newly donated transit vehicle will crucially aid in the transportation of the unhoused and individuals experiencing mental health crises, alongside their possessions, to various crisis centers and appropriate facilities. Fire Chief Dan Munsey highlighted the importance of the donation, stating, "This donation is not just a vehicle; it’s an important resource that will greatly benefit the residents of San Bernardino County." Munsey also emphasized the aligned visions of fiscal responsibility and prioritizing citizens' safety and social service needs, in a statement obtained by the county's news release.
The COAST program is a collaborative initiative involving the County Fire, local law enforcement, and the San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health, all working in unison to provide a novel level of care for community members grappling with mental health crises. Established programs such as COAST1 in Fontana, COAST2 in San Bernardino, and COAST3 in the East Valley Division are cited as making significant strides in the community.
Moreover, each COAST team member operates alongside a CARE team therapy dog, who serves to bridge the gap and ease interactions between persons in crisis and emergency service providers. Explaining the role of therapy dogs, the county's news release states, "These dogs can help to deescalate crises, allowing behavioral health personnel to address individual needs effectively." The value of this psycho-social support system is in its ability to reduce the occurrence of future crises and dependence on emergency services while keeping patients away from jails and emergency rooms.
San Bernardino County also reminds its residents that immediate assistance for mental health crises is just a phone call away. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline can be reached by dialing 9-8-8, with 911 reserved for situations posing immediate danger.
The dedication to community and environmental health was further displayed during a recent waste disposal event as publicized by the county. Two full roll-off bins and another at a quarter capacity were collected, together with a full bin of waste tires, showcasing the community's environmental consciousness. The success of the event garnered appreciation from the Land Use Services Code Enforcement Division, who credited various county departments and local volunteers for their contribution.
