The Rio Verde Fire District Board (RVFD) and VerdeCares have approved consolidation of volunteer services for the Verdes’ communities.

Historically, Rio Verde Fire has been providing the volunteer Resource Specialist service for over 20 years. VerdeCares has been providing volunteer community services for over 15 years. VerdeCares has many different services available, including home safety assessments, medical equipment assistance, nurse visits for medication management and wound care, resources for at-home management and caregivers and assistance for the pet or loved one left behind.

Both programs have a component of 911 response meant to support the firefighters on scene and then support the patient and family once an emergency is stabilized.

During a recent RVFD programmatic audit, it was identified that there was redundancy in the Resource Specialists Program and the services provided by VerdeCares. However, VerdeCares goes beyond with additional capabilities, continued follow-up and assistance as needed after an acute response/event.

It was determined that consolidating both programs would afford a broader and more integrated approach to resident care and operating the two programs separately no longer made sense.

Vicki Beseke, Executive Director of VerdeCares said, “VerdeCares hospital-to-home support services are available to all Verde neighbors. After a 911 call, at the time of hospital pickup, we focus first on our neighbors’ needs for services such as medical equipment, errands for prescriptions, meals as we return them home. These support services help to reduce the number of repeat 911 calls.”

Beseke added that VerdeCares is a professional volunteer-based organization that is better suited to manage, train, equip and expand a network of volunteers. In addition, she said that any current Resource Specialist who would like to volunteer with VerdeCares may contact her at vicki@verdecares.org.

This partnership will ensure that the important services that have been provided by the Resource Specialist program continue at an enhanced level in the future.

Finally, the RVFD owes a debt of gratitude to all the Resource Specialists who have volunteered countless hours helping people in the community.

“The services you have provided over the past 20 plus years have had a positive impact on the quality of life of all our friends and neighbors. For that we thank you,” RVFD Chief Scott Krushak said.