Penn. EMS Agency Receives Grant for Community Paramedicine Program

Aug. 28—North Huntingdon EMS/Rescue was awarded a $50,000 grant from the Highmark Foundation in Pittsburgh to expand its community paramedicine program -- a two-year-effort to provides non-emergency wellness checks, disease medication education and environmental safety equipment for free to its subscribers.

Through the grant, North Huntingdon EMS will hire a program manager to oversee the operation, buy examination equipment and enroll clients into the program, which is designed to increase the ability for clients to live safely in their homes for a longer period of time, Highmark stated.

"We look forward to a successful program. We believe that giving residents the ability to stay safely in their homes is a wonderful gift," Shane Spielvogle, North Huntingdon EMS/Rescue executive director, said in a statement.

"We are pleased to support North Huntingdon EMS/Rescue through this grant to help expand its community paramedicine program," said Highmark Foundation President Yvonne Cook.

"Not only does the program allow residents to remain safely in their homes while reducing the long-term cost and duplication of services and resources, it also demonstrates new and sustainable ways to solve health problems," Cook added.

Spielvogle could not be reached for additional comment Monday.

The Highmark Foundation is a private, charitable organization supporting initiatives and programs aimed at improving community health. The foundation's mission is to improve the health, well-being and quality of life for individuals who reside in the communities served by Highmark Inc. and its subsidiaries and affiliates.

Tribune-Review, Greensburg, Pa.