Terry D'Arcy Mayor | City of Joliet
Terry D'Arcy Mayor | City of Joliet
The Joliet Fire Department has launched a new Community Paramedic Program in collaboration with the Will County Health Clinic. The initiative aims to provide expanded at-home medical support for residents with chronic health conditions, including congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, post-surgical recovery needs, and mental health challenges.
Through this partnership, a Community Paramedic will be embedded into the patient care process at the clinic. These paramedics will conduct follow-up visits at patients’ homes to monitor vital signs, confirm that medical appointments are being kept, verify prescriptions and medications, and assess home safety. The goal is to reduce unnecessary hospital readmissions by providing critical support services directly where patients live.
Joliet Fire Chief Jeff Carey stated, “Our goal is to improve outcomes for residents by bringing care directly into the community. This program reflects our department’s commitment to proactive, patient-centered service.”
Community Paramedics will work closely with clinic staff and collaborate with the Joliet Fire Department social worker as well as local agencies. They aim to connect patients with additional resources such as food assistance, transportation, or housing support when needed.
“This partnership is about meeting people where they are,” said Stacy Baumgartner, Chief Executive Officer of the Will County Health Clinic. “Together with the Joliet Fire Department, we’re building a safety net that extends well beyond the hospital walls.”
The program is available for Joliet residents at Silver Cross Hospital and St Joseph Medical Center.
Joliet is located in Will and Kendall counties in Illinois and serves as the county seat of Will County. According to the 2020 census, it is the third largest city in Illinois with a population of 150,362. More information can be found at https://www.joliet.gov.
For further details about the Community Paramedic Program, residents may contact the Joliet Fire Department by email at JFDHHS@joliet.gov or phone at 815-724-3512.
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