Camano Cares

Community Assistance, Referral & Education Services

Camano Community Assistance Referral & Education Services (CARES) is a free, confidential program offered through Camano Island Fire and Rescue (CIFR) in partnership with the Camano Center, Northwest Regional Council (NWRC), and Island County Public Health. The goal of Camano CARES is simple: to give Camano Island residents the support they need to improve their health, safety, and well-being and to reduce the risk of emergencies.

Camano CARES focuses especially on older adults and others who may need extra help navigating health care and community services.

How Camano CARES Can Help

The CARES team works one-on-one with residents to connect them with practical support and resources, including help to:

• Check homes for fall risks and suggest safety improvements
• Understand and manage medications
• Better understand medical conditions and find additional support
• Know what to do after a hospital stay or emergency room visit
• Connect with in-home support, financial assistance, and food resources
• Find counseling and other mental health services
• Arrange help with yardwork, cleaning, or minor home repairs
• Get transportation to medical appointments
• Schedule doctor and specialist appointments

Services are free, confidential, and tailored to each individual’s needs.

How the Program Works

Camano CARES is available to all Camano Island residents. Referrals can be made by:

• Individuals themselves
• Family members, friends, or neighbors
• Camano Fire EMTs or Paramedics, often following non-emergency 911 calls (such as falls or repeated medical assistance needs)

Who is On the CARES Team

The CARES team can come to you to help assess needs and connect you with appropriate services. The CARES team is made up of Camano Fire EMTs, Paramedics, and a Registered Nurse, working collaboratively with community partners to support residents before needs become emergencies.

Community Partners:

Camano CARES works closely with local partners, including:

• The Camano Center
• Northwest Regional Council (NWRC)
• Island County Public Health