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Putnam County launches community paramedicine program using opioid-abatement funds; paramedics answered 43 calls in first months
Summary
Commissioners heard a launch update for the new Community Paramedicine program, funded with opioid-abatement dollars, that aims to reduce nonurgent 911 transports, connect residents to services and pursue billable certified community paramedic status.
Putnam County commissioners received an update on the county’s new Community Paramedicine (CP) program, which County Chair Leota Wilkinson and staff helped develop. The program was funded with state opioid-abatement dollars and is not supported by county general funds, Wilkinson said.
Wilkinson introduced three full-time community paramedics and defined their role: “Community paramedics operate in expanded roles beyond traditional emergency response and transport. They focus on opioid use, mental health, primary care, chronic disease management, and health education.” The presenters said the team began the Seminole State College community paramedic certification course and had answered 43 calls for service through March 22.
Emergency-services leaders said CPs perform nonurgent home visits, coordinate with hospitals (HCA Putnam), help patients access clinics and social services, and connect frequent 911 users to alternative care destinations. JR (surname not specified in transcript) and Chief Hitchcock credited Chair Wilkinson’s advocacy and named the county’s collaborative hiring process that included community members on the interview panels.
Officials described operational aims and billing plans: when certified, community paramedic services can be billable to Medicare and Medicaid, and the program intends to pursue that revenue stream as it expands. The CP response vehicle is ALS-capable and stocked with cardiac monitors, medications and life-saving equipment, and staff said the program has started placing patients in rehab or nursing facilities where appropriate.
Ending: Commissioners praised the program’s initial results and committed continued support; no county budget appropriation was reported at the meeting because the launch used designated opioid-abatement funds.
