JOLIET, Ill. 鈥� The Joliet Fire Department, in a partnership with the Will County Health Clinic, has launched a new initiative to enhance the health and well-being of Joliet residents by expanding access to community paramedic services.
As part of the program, a community paramedic is integrated directly into the clinic鈥檚 patient care team, offering in-home follow-up visits for individuals managing chronic health conditions often associated with hospital readmissions, reported.
| More: eBook: How to fund community paramedicine
鈥淥ur goal is to improve outcomes for residents by bringing care directly into the community,鈥� Fire Chief Jeff Carey said. 鈥淭his program reflects our department鈥檚 commitment to proactive, patient-centered service.鈥�
Community paramedics will partner with clinic staff to deliver personalized follow-up care, reviewing medications and assessing home safety. The program supports long-term health goals and improved quality of life.
In addition to medical care, community paramedics will collaborate with the fire department鈥檚 social worker and local agencies to help patients access vital resources such as food, transportation and housing support.
鈥淭his partnership is about meeting people where they are,鈥� Will County Health Clinic CEO Stacy Baumgartner said. 鈥淭ogether, with the Joliet Fire Department, we鈥檙e building a safety net that extends well beyond the hospital walls.鈥�
