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CITRUS COUNTY FIRE RESCUE, FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES, AND FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH LAUNCH COMMUNITY PARAMEDICINE PROGRAM
Citrus County Fire Rescue, Florida Department of Children and Families, and the Florida Department
of Health (FDOH) are proud to announce the implementation of a Community Paramedicine Program in
Citrus County funded by the opioid settlement for states to “remediate and abate” the impacts of the
opioid crisis.
Community paramedicine is a model of community-based health care in which paramedics work outside
their normal emergency response and transport roles. Instead, they provide in-home visits, risk
assessments, various types of interventions/monitoring, assist with medical on management, and they
connect patients/families with community based resources.
“This program is an excellent example of collaborative partnerships between community organizations,”
said County Administrator Steve Howard. “Putting these best practices to use will enhance the quality
of life for our residents.”
Our focus with the program is designed around assisting populations struggling with substance-use
disorder. We plan to help that community by involving evidence-based addiction treatment, improving
access to recovery support, and utilizing and distributing harm reduction resources.
Our community paramedics also support the EMS system at times of heavy call volume, provide
community education such as first aid training, fall prevention, and CPR and AED training.
Patients with higher rates of EMS calls also use the emergency system for minor falls, mobility
challenges, and mental health issues. Under the direction of Citrus County Fire Rescue’s Division
Chief of EMS Jason Morgan and Florida Department of Health’s Human Services Program Specialist Todd
Hockert, the program will be designed to address the needs of the most vulnerable in our community.
An alarming number of people in Citrus County are living with untreated conditions because they do
not have access to resources to manage their chronic health needs. Even when services and support
systems are available, they are unable to reach them and calling 9-1-1 can become their only
lifeline.
“We are always looking for opportunities to enhance our success with preventive safety and health
measures for our community and the Community Paramedic Program allows for that,” said Fire Chief
Craig Stevens. “Thanks to our community partners Florida Department of Health and Department of
Children and Families for their support in this program.”
With this dedicated, full- me program, we will be able to provide ongoing support for patients, in
collaboration with other County resources, community partners, and health systems.