News Summary
Lexington’s Community Paramedicine Program, crucial for assisting residents and reducing ambulance demand, is at risk due to potential federal funding cuts. The program, which has been operational since 2018 and employs 13 staff members, may struggle to sustain its services without critical financial support. City officials are concerned about the implications of these cuts, particularly for vulnerable community members, including the elderly and individuals facing addiction. Mayor Linda Gorton is expected to discuss funding strategies to address these challenges in upcoming budget talks.
Lexington is facing an uncertain future regarding its Community Paramedicine Program as potential cuts to federal funding loom, impacting critical services that assist local residents in need. The program, which operates out of Lexington’s fire department, has provided non-emergency response services since its inception in 2018, focusing on helping those who do not require ambulance transport but still need assistance, particularly the elderly who may experience falls.
The Community Paramedicine Program has been instrumental in reducing demand on Lexington’s ambulance services, which handle more than 45,000 calls annually. By addressing approximately 6% of those calls, the program has allowed emergency responders to concentrate on more urgent medical incidents. Currently, the initiative employs 13 staff members, including paramedics and social workers, and boasts a budget exceeding $1.1 million, of which nearly 40% is sourced from state or federal grants.
The program was initially launched through a federal grant of $252,201, complemented by $25,221 from the city of Lexington. However, with federal funding for similar programs facing potential cuts as a result of actions taken by the Trump administration, the program’s sustainability is now in jeopardy. Although the timing of these cuts remains unclear, Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton is expected to address budgeting strategies in light of possible funding losses during upcoming discussions.
During a previous budget crisis in 2019, the program faced significant challenges when its founding grant expired, leading city officials to reduce operational expenses drastically. Fortunately, three local hospitals contributed a total of $200,000 to help maintain the program in the face of financial difficulties. Should federal grants be eliminated, the city may need to absorb remaining operational costs, which include funding for four positions that depend primarily on these grants.
City spokeswoman Susan Straub noted that Mayor Gorton has consistently supported the Community Paramedicine Program and aims to explore solutions to mitigate any funding deficits. Lt. Alex Jann, who oversees the program, emphasized the pressing need for its expansion to better meet substantial unmet needs within the Lexington community.
The program encompasses three specialized units: the Mobile Integrated Health Team, Quick Response Team, and Crisis Co-Response Team. The Mobile Integrated Health Team focuses on managing non-emergent calls, working closely with social workers to provide appropriate support. The Quick Response Team aims to connect individuals who have experienced non-fatal drug overdoses with addiction resources by employing a recovery peer specialist. In the past year, Lexington recorded 1,403 substance abuse related calls, with the paramedicine program successfully following up with 533 individuals in need of assistance.
Potential reductions in staff are anticipated if grant-funded positions are cut, an outcome which could exacerbate the already alarming rates of overdose fatalities in the region. Additionally, the Crisis Co-Response Team has been supported with an $850,000 state grant, which is scheduled to sustain its operations over three years. This unit addresses behavioral health crises and suicidal ideation cases and collaborates with the police department to provide essential support during such emergency situations.
The future of the Community Paramedicine Program remains uncertain as the city navigates the complexities of funding and budgetary constraints. With crucial services relying heavily on a fluctuating financial landscape, local leaders and advocates are urged to consider the implications of funding cuts on the health and safety of the Lexington community.
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Additional Resources
- EMS1: Federal Funding Cuts Threaten the Future of KY Community Paramedicine Program
- Wikipedia: Community Paramedicine
- NKY Tribune: St. Elizabeth Physicians to Partner for New Community Paramedicine Program
- Google Search: Community Paramedicine
- Fox 56 News: Lexington Fire Department Receives Grant for Paramedic Training
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Health Care
- GovTech: A Look at Lexington’s Community Paramedicine Program
- Google News: Lexington Community Paramedicine
- LEX18: How Lexington’s Paramedicine Team Works to Prevent Overdose Deaths
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexingtonKY.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
