January 31, 2022
The Home Care Association of New York State and the Iroquois Healthcare Association have teamed up to pilot three community medicine and paramedicine programs with grant funds received from the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation.
The Home Care Association of New York State (HCA) received funding to pilot three new community medicine and paramedicine programs in rural parts of New York State. HCA has teamed up with the Iroquois Healthcare Association (IHA) to initiate the programs through a grant provided by the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation.
Traditionally paramedics and EMTs focus on emergency care, however they are frequently called into non-urgent situations by populations who do not have primary care resources. This extended use of emergency care puts a burden on emergency care teams and threatens to harm those in true need of urgent or emergency care. Leveraging collaboration between emergency services and other health sector partners can reduce this burden while ensuring patients receive appropriate and efficient care.
Through this grant, the associations will partner to work with hospitals, home care agencies, physicians and emergency medical services organizations to conduct pilots in small, rural community regions of the state. Through the design and creation of collaborative, community-centric models of community medicine and paramedicine, core health sector partners will come together to meet the needs of their communities.
Community paramedicine expands the roles of paramedics and EMTs with the intention of increasing access to care in rural areas where it can be difficult to get to a healthcare facility and receive primary care. Each of these three pilot programs will utilize EMTs and paramedics in conjunction with other types of community providers to deliver primary and preventative care services to populations such as frail or elderly patients, patients without transportation, etc. Administering preventative care lowers the likelihood that emergency teams will be called to non-urgent situations and preserves emergency care resources.
“HCA has been working to promote collaboration in care across all sectors of the health system to support quality and access, and especially target gaps impacting the medically vulnerable, and the community’s health system as a whole. HCA is thrilled to have received this significant support from the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation to work with our partners at the Iroquois Healthcare Association and clinicians at the local level to promote collaborative programs of community medicine and paramedicine tailored to the needs, resources and health system of the community.”
“Community paramedicine brings care to those who are most vulnerable,” said IHA President and CEO Gary Fitzgerald. “There is a reason they are calling emergency services, we need to meet them where they are and provide the care they desperately need.”
About the Home Care Association: For over 40 years, HCA has been a leading state and federal advocate for quality, community-based care. HCA represents hundreds of dedicated organizations and their thousands of home and community-based staff. They are a resource for information, providing policy and regulatory expertise, professional development, education and training opportunities to support you.
About the Iroquois Healthcare Association: IHA is a regional healthcare trade organization representing 54 hospitals and health systems, spanning over 28,000 square miles, across 32 counties of Upstate New York. IHA is the leading resource for facilities and professionals bringing quality health care to the region. IHA represents the unique needs of rural, small community safety-net providers to large, academic medical centers in Upstate New York’s urban areas through advocacy, education and information, cost-savings initiatives and innovative business solutions.
About the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation: The MCHF is a private, nonprofit organization whose mission is to improve the health and well-being of New Yorkers, bolster the health outcomes of vulnerable communities, eliminate barriers to care, and bridge gaps in health services. Named after a tireless advocate for immigrants, children, and the poor, the Foundation funds programs and initiatives across New York State that provide either direct healthcare services or address the social determinants of health.