Health One
Health One is an alternative response program staffed by Seattle firefighters and case managers from the Seattle Human Services Department. Each unit is staffed with one case manager and up to two firefighters. They provide specialized outreach, transport and referrals to callers experiencing non-emergency medical complaints, behavioral health crises, as well as frequent callers to 911 and those with social service needs. Health One partners with providers throughout the city who offer healthcare, behavioral health services, homeless services, and more.
Hours and location
Health One primarily serves Pioneer Square, the downtown core, Belltown, Capitol Hill, South Seattle, the University District and Ballard, but can respond at its discretion anywhere in Seattle. The units operate seven days a week, from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Health One units are quartered in Pioneer Square and Belltown, with expansion to Northgate expected in the second-half of 2026.
How service works
Units can be directly dispatched by the Seattle Fire Department's Fire Alarm Center or requested by operations units already on scene. In addition, Health One performs proactive outreach to known clients as well as to newly referred individuals.
Who we serve
Health One serves a wide array of clients. Calls generally are differentiated from other teams in the city due to a medical component, referral from emergency medical services or the need for ongoing case management.
Some common reasons for referral include:
- Use 911 on a frequent basis for non-emergent reasons
- Who are aging in their homes or older adults experiencing abuse, neglect or self-neglect or suffering from chronic illness
- Who are experiencing behavioral health or substance abuse crisis
- Who are unsheltered, housing insecure or under-resourced
Data
Time period: Jan. 1, 2025 to Dec. 31, 2025
- Health One responses: 1,234
- H99/H98 (Overdose Response): 1,248
- Total referrals: 3,506
- Referral breakdown:
- 954 automated falls
- 27 from CARE Team
- 491 direct
- 2,034 from Seattle Fire operations
- Referral breakdown:
- New enrollments: 794
- Average scene time (Health One only): 47.5 minutes
- Field buprenorphine administrations: 143
Case study
AJ is a frequent utilizer of 911 and calls from various locations in the north end of Seattle. AJ often calls 911 hoping for a ride to the hospital, some sleep and a meal. He is unhoused and has Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). On one occasion, a responding Seattle Fire Department unit referred AJ to Health One.
Case Manager Ashley Clayton reviewed AJ’s 911 and ED use history. She reached out to the Emergency Department at UW Medical Center - Montlake, where AJ had recently been discharged from, and connected with a social worker. The social worker shared that AJ often visited the library on UW campus and had breakfast at a church in Ballard.
Health One and CM Clayton outreached AJ at the Ballard Branch of the Seattle Public Library, and he signed a Release of Information so that his case could be staffed with other care teams. When completing the forms, the team noticed that AJ was having difficulty with memory recall. His case was staffed with multiple care teams, including the High Utilizer Group and a program that specializes in an alcohol use disorders. A social worker from UW Medical Center - Northwest also reached out to Ballard Neighborcare clinic (which serves the homeless population) and made him an appointment so he could obtain a doctor’s verification of disability. Health One visited the UW library several times, and with the assistance of the librarians, located him and transported him to his appointment. Later, Health One coordinated with one of the permanent supportive housing buildings to get AJ set up for an intake.
AJ has since moved into a building that has an on-site case manager.
FAQs
Can a resident or business request Health One directly?
No. Due to our limited capacity, requests must originate with the 911 system. See the Mobile Integrated Health page for telephone and internet resources.