Mobile Integrated Healthcare (MIH)/Community Paramedic (CP) Program

About the Program

Category: Health (Best in Category)

Year: 2022

Community paramedics are a vital link between vulnerable individuals needing 9-1-1 assistance and connections to community-based preventative health and other services. In December 2017, the MIH program of Durham County Office of Emergency Services, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Division began helping to bridge the gap between healthcare and social determinant needs for at-risk and under-served community members. Our team of CPs focuses on: 1) Harm reduction interventions for those who have experienced an opioid or other substance use emergency. CPs provide free naloxone kits and referrals to a behavioral health crisis center for an average of 75 opioid-related EMS calls per month. CPs attempt to reach 100 percent, but the average is 10-12 percent. 2) COVID vaccination for homebound persons, their families, and caregivers. Since June 2021, over 250 persons have received COVID vaccines in their homes. 3) Assisting familiar faces. CPs achieved a 20-25% decrease in 9-1-1 calls for service by connecting persons to medications, primary care, arranging transportation to outpatient services, and providing preventative education. 4) Falls Prevention. CPs visit older adults who have experienced falls to help them reduce fall risk, connect them with community-based resources, and help them remain safe at home.