Commission approves application for AARP grant to expand Carmel Fire Department’s mobile integrated health program

The Mayor’s Advisory Commission on Senior Living voted Jan. 22 to apply for an AARP Community Challenge Grant to expand the Carmel Fire Department’s Mobile Integrated Health Program (MIHP), a non‑emergency outreach effort that conducts home safety checks, provides fall‑prevention education and connects residents with community resources.

The motion to support and join the Carmel Fire Department’s proposal was made by John F. O’Donnell Jr. and seconded by Anna Stout. The commission approved the motion by voice vote; the chair declared the motion carried.

Why it matters

Commissioners and staff said grant funding would help produce Carmel‑focused printed reference materials and outreach, fund fall‑prevention classes and materials, and potentially support staff time for broader community visits. The AARP Community Challenge application deadline discussed at the meeting is March 6; awarded projects must be completed by Dec. 15, with a final report due Dec. 31.

Program details presented

Andrew Young, Carmel EMS chief, introduced Captain Bruce Frost to describe MIHP. Frost said MIHP makes non‑emergency home visits to review medication routines, identify trip hazards, provide safety advice, and link residents with local services. MIHP also conducts small safety inspections and assists with organization and referrals for residents with hoarding or mobility issues.

Frost said falls are the department’s largest call type: "In the last six months of 2024, it was somewhere around 640 fall runs," which he said averages roughly 100 fall responses per month. Frost emphasized the program is free and does not bill insurance; he gave MIHP’s office number as 317‑571‑2606 and a program email (mihp@carmel.in.gov).

The MIHP team described planned materials that could be funded by a grant: a Carmel‑centric resource booklet with a QR code linking to an online version, printed brochures for fall prevention exercises and information, and funds to coordinate presentations at community centers, libraries and churches. Frost said the program is already operational and estimated the program’s current development at roughly 60–70 percent complete.

Commission discussion and vote

Commissioners said the MIHP proposal aligned with commission priorities—fall prevention and increasing awareness of services—and with earlier pilot survey results showing many seniors are unaware of available resources. Chair Carol Applegate and other members said the commission will coordinate with city grant staff and department partners on the application; Applegate and staff confirmed the city has internal grant‑writing support.

The motion to support the fire department’s grant proposal was recorded as moved by John F. O’Donnell Jr. and seconded by Anna Stout; the commission approved the motion by voice vote and the chair declared it carried. Commissioners asked staff to circulate application details to the full commission and to return with a draft application if AARP requirements require project adjustments.

Ending

Commissioners directed staff and MIHP to continue developing the project and materials for the March 6 grant deadline; they said the MIHP program and printed/digital resource materials would help address gaps in seniors’ awareness of local services and provide free, proactive fall‑prevention outreach in Carmel.