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County’s mobile integrated health program reports expanded referrals, services and community partnerships
Summary
Mobile Integrated Healthcare staff told the board the program — launched in 2022 with grant support — handled 320 referrals in 2024, expanded community events, distributed Narcan kits and durable medical equipment, and is exploring a no‑cost extension or new funding when the current grant ends in August.
The board received a progress report on Westmoreland County’s Mobile Integrated Healthcare (MIH) program showing expanded referrals, new community partnerships and a long list of patient and first‑responder outcomes.
Lede: MIH program staff told the board the program began patient visits in November 2022 and saw referral growth in 2024, with 320 referrals reported for last year versus roughly 150 the year before.
Nut graf: Program leaders said the MIH effort uses EMS referrals and interagency cooperation to identify residents with health, social or safety needs and link them with services such as home safety fixes, peer support, substance‑use treatment, Meals on Wheels and durable medical equipment.
What presenters reported
The MIH coordinator described community health fairs, medication reconciliation, distribution of medication lockboxes and gun locks, a stuffed‑animal drive to comfort children during emergency responses, and home safety assessments (including checking for trip hazards, smoke/carbon‑monoxide alarms and arranging ramps or durable medical equipment through nonprofit partners). The program has partnered with Rappahannock Community College, Eastern Virginia Medical School and regional nonprofits including Neighbor2Neighbor and Equipment Connection.
Outcomes cited
Presenters told the board the program achieved the following (2024): 320 referrals, 30 referrals to Meals on Wheels, about 25 pieces of durable medical equipment distributed, 30 medication lockboxes and 15 gun locks handed out, 21 referrals for peer‑support or substance‑use services, and several direct admissions to inpatient substance‑use treatment. Staff also said they distributed leave‑behind naloxone kits and conducted follow‑up on overdose calls.
Funding and next steps
The MIH coordinator said the grant that launched the program ends in August; she said the grant administrator is considering a no‑cost extension and that separate competitive rounds of funding may be available. The coordinator asked the board for continued support and said staff are exploring a mobile clinic command center and plans to recruit a licensed clinical social worker to support first responders and residents.
Board response
Supervisors thanked staff for the program and its outreach. No formal vote was taken; board members asked staff to continue outreach and to provide updates on funding and staffing plans.
Sources: Presentation by the MIH coordinator (identified in the meeting as Miss Taylor) and exchanges with supervisors during the meeting.
