The Lawrence Fire Department announced on Nov. 6 that it was awarded $21,988 to start a Mobile Integrated Health (MIH) program designed to reduce unnecessary emergency transports, improve chronic-disease management in the home and connect residents with appropriate health-care services.

Deputy Chief Tony Dowd said the grant will finance equipment and training to get the MIH pilot off the ground, including portable ultrasound units, EMS duty officer (EDO) training and initial MIH response kits. "The grant was approved. That was for $21,988. So that's certainly gonna get us ... the biggest thing is the training," Dowd said, adding that the department will adapt lessons from other agencies that have run MIH programs.

The department said the MIH team will initially use EDOs who accompany ambulances to perform follow-up and targeted interventions such as post-discharge checks, diabetic counseling and fall-prevention visits. Dowd said hospitals will be partners for patient referrals; the department cited local hospital systems including Methodist and the region's heart hospital among typical transport destinations.

The commission also heard that EMT Claire Gray has accepted a spot in a paramedic program (the School of EMS track). The department said Gray has agreed to remain with the Lawrence Fire Department for a multi-year commitment after completing training.

Deputy Chief Dowd provided community engagement figures: 52 outreach instances year-to-date (26 station tours and 26 community events), three public CPR classes delivered and ongoing plans for more training. He also listed dates for the department's family assistance program and fundraisers: a Whiskey Business fundraising lunch Dec. 6 (12:00-1:00 p.m.), toy- and food-sorting on Dec. 19 (5:00-6:30 p.m.) at Station 38, and the distribution event on Dec. 20 (8:00 a.m.-noon) at Station 38.

Dowd said the MIH pilot is a start-up effort; if the program proves effective, the department expects to scale training and equipment availability and to continue seeking partnerships with area hospitals and community providers.