Md. Agency Receives Grant to Develop Community Paramedic Program

COLUMBIA, MD – The Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS) recently received a $10,000 seed grant from the Horizon Foundation to begin planning a mobile integrated health program.

The grant, part of the Horizon Foundation’s commitment to improving health and wellness in Howard County, will allow HCDFRS to plan and evaluate potential Mobile Integrated Health-Community Paramedicine (MIH-CP) interventions that will help reduce operational strain on emergency care resources and improve care for patients with complex medical conditions.

“Working with partners throughout our community, including the Howard County Health Department and Howard County General Hospital, HCDFRS is excited to develop an MIH-CP program plan,” says Howard County Executive Allan H. Kittleman. “Thanks to the Horizon Foundation for its support of this initiative and its dedication to the health of the residents of Howard County.”

While MIH-CP programs may vary in their specific interventions, these programs tend to share a similar common goal to lower costs, improve the lives of patients, and enable EMS to use their skills and resources to help solve the problems facing healthcare systems and communities.

“Programs such as MIH-CP can help decrease operational strain on our emergency care resources, while at the same time improve the care for patients with chronic and complex medical and behavioral health conditions,” says Medical Director Dr. Matthew Levy. “We look forward to working with our partner agencies across Howard County to develop an MIH-CP program plan intended to meet the unique needs of those who reside, work, and visit Howard County.”

“Dr. Levy and his team continue to work with regional associates to identify creative ways to serve our county,” says Fire Chief John S. Butler. “I am excited to see the positive impact of this new initiative.”
The MIH-CP program will be data-driven, patient-centered, and will be a collaborative effort between the Howard County community and key stakeholders."