2022 ANNUAL REPORT-Final

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EMERGENCY SERVICES

Emergency Medical Services Office (continued)

Mobile Community Healthcare

The Mobile Community Healthcare (MCH) Program is an integrated, collaborative effort that is designed to provide resources to the residents of Frederick County through several specialty programs, including the Community Paramedicine program, the Community Outreach and Support Team (COAST), and our COVID-19 response program. All three programs worked effectively together to improve the health and wellness of those who reside in Frederick County.

Frederick County EMS Units referred patients to the MCH Program 563 times in 2022, an increase from 2021, with several additional referrals coming in from partner agencies. Of these referrals, clinicians were most concerned about their patient’s lack of adequate self -care, as well as their need to make multiple or frequent calls to the 9-1-1 center. Additionally, clinicians overwhelmingly identified an inability to complete activities of daily living as a leading factor in making the referrals, but also identified physical environment concerns, loneliness and social isolation, and substance use as contributing factors as well. MCH Program Staff responded to 26 incidents in the Community Paramedicine Program and assisted several others using telephonic measures. Participants in this program received a comprehensive assessment of their social determinants of health, and interventions related to home safety recommendations and referrals to other allied health and community partners. The COAST Program, a joint partnership between the Frederick County Health Department and Frederick County Fire and Rescue, responded to 204 incidents, a 35% increase over 2021, and

distributed 66 doses of Naloxone, fentanyl test strips, and other harm reduction supplies. People encountered by the COAST Program Team were provided with the opportunity to speak with the Health Department’s Peer Recovery Specialist, who is able to provide enhanced information on substance use treatment and recovery resources. Despite an overall reduction in demand for services in 2022, the COVID Program remained the most active program for the second consecutive year, generating a total of 334 responses. A total of eight people were tested for COVID-19, and an additional 306 people were vaccinated. With support from the Honorable Jan Gardner, funding was allocated to increase the MCH Pro gram’s staff in FY2023. Interviews were conducted to identify eligible and highly motivated personnel within Frederick County Fire and Rescue who were interested in making an impact in the community by joining the MCH Program’s team. The addition of a cl inician is expected to occur in January 2023. This will increase the program’s capacity and responsiveness and allow even more members of the community to benefit from the services offered.