Mobile Integrated Health (MIH) Program, a year after Greater Health Network (GHN) introduced it, marks a significant stride in healthcare delivery. The MIH program saw successful collaborations with nine regional fire departments, focusing on diminishing non-critical 911 calls and unnecessary visits to the emergency department.

Investment in community alliances has been pivotal, engendering stronger ties with local organizations, medical facilities, and service providers to ensure an efficient allocation of resources and prevent service duplication. Community Paramedicine, while not entirely novel, is experiencing a transformative expansion within our region. Notable developments include a reported 33% reduction in non-emergent EMS calls by one of the fire departments, underpinning the program’s effectiveness in communities and the healthcare system. With year two dawning, the fire departments are poised to fortify and expand their CP programs.

The goal is to reinforce their impact on patients, the wider community, and the healthcare ecosystem at large. Community Paramedics proactively engage challenges at their source, endeavoring to root out and tackle fundamental health issues. Their strategic initiatives are instrumental in enhancing patient health and curtailing the excessive use of emergency resources. The spectrum of services launched by the fire departments encompasses a comprehensive approach, ranging from health
and social needs screenings to risk and fall evaluations.

These services also extend to resource navigation—identifying providers for primary care, ensuring food security, and issuing emergency housing vouchers. Moreover, apart from facilitating transportation for patients to attend appointments, the program supports medication adherence and offers thorough discharge planning. Community paramedics also conduct home visits for safety checks like smoke alarm replacements and building ramps for accessibility. Preparing homes for a comfortable transition post-hospitalization or rehabilitation facility discharge is another facet of
these invaluable services.

To learn more about Mobile Integrated Health watch our learning collaborative HERE.

Learning Collaborative Video: To learn more about Mobile Integrated Health watch our learning collaborative HERE.

Podcast: Care & Consequence: Perscpectives on a Social Care Network. Subscribe and listen on all major podcast platforms!

Episode 2. Mobile Integrated Health: What is it? Listen HERE Ep. 3: Mobile Integrated Health: Candid Feedback from Danielle Bertschi of Kittitas Fire District 6. Listen HERE.

Article: Dear Payers: Stop Asking If MIH Works. Start Asking Why You’re Not Paying for It. HERE