First launched in 2018, the paramedicine program is made up of three specialized teams that provide services for individuals who find themselves frequently resorting to emergency rooms, including people struggling with substance abuse, behavioral health challenges, or chronic health problems.
Now, with a $462,000 grant in hand, the program is adding two civilian positions and a firefighter to the ranks.
"Too often, people find themselves calling 911 or returning to the emergency department because they lack access to the ongoing care and support they need," Lexington Assistant Fire Chief Maria Oney said. "Community paramedicine gives us another way to address those challenges. By expanding this program, we can take a more proactive approach, meeting people where they are and helping connect them with the medical care, behavioral services, transportation, and other community resources they need."
According to the mayor's office, year to date, E-911 calls have decreased 60 percent and ER visits are down 58 percent for patients in the paramedicine program.