KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) - A partnership aimed at reducing non-emergency 911 calls in a vulnerable part of Knoxville has seen a 23% drop in calls after one year of operation.

The Mission District Medical Initiative focuses on North Broadway under the I-40 overpass, an area known as “the Mission District.” AMR Director Jerry Harnish started the program to free resources for emergencies.

“In many instances, it’s not clear that an emergency ambulance would have been the right answer. Nevertheless, when these folks need care, if they have no other option other than to call 911, then that’s what they would do,” Harnish said.

The initiative involves five groups including AMR and Metro Drug Coalition. Harnish said the biggest need was preventative care, treating cuts and illnesses before they b

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