Dufferin County Community Paramedic Program Secures Additional $1.8M in Funding to Extend Vital Services to 2026

More funding for paramedicine in Dufferin County has been allocated by the Province of Ontario.

A $1.8 million two-year investment of funding from the Ministry of Long-Term Care will ensure continued support for seniors, individuals with disabilities, and those managing chronic illnesses through the Dufferin County Community Paramedic Program. The program is an innovative initiative focused on non-emergency, community-based healthcare.

“Community Paramedics have given me the confidence that I need to continue living independently with the assurance that care is only a call away. Their team is made up of knowledgeable, kind and compassionate professionals that have made my at-home healthcare experience truly positive,” said Joan Meehan, a client of the community paramedicine program who lives in Dufferin County.

The program launched a decade ago and has changed healthcare delivery across the region. 

“By providing comprehensive services aimed at health promotion, system navigation, and injury prevention, the program facilitates easier access to care for vulnerable populations within the comfort of their homes,” reads a joint press release from the County of Dufferin and Headwaters Health Care Centre (HHCC).

Community paramedics play a vital role in conducting a wide range of services, including wellness checks, safe home assessments, remote patient monitoring, and administering medications. These efforts not only reduce emergency department visits and inpatient hospital stays but also enhance patient satisfaction by alleviating stress and promoting a healthier community.

“Our team is so pleased for this Community Paramedic funding announcement; it will ensure that we will be able to support the most vulnerable members and families in our community. Through this funding will continue to work with our Patient's primary care physicians and community service partners to ensure they receive excellent care and support in the safety of their own homes,” said Dufferin County Paramedic Service Chief Tom Reid.

Community paramedics are an extension of a person's primary care provider, offering care to patients without access. They do not replace the specialized services available in a health care setting or a physician's office.   

Some of the highlights from the program include tailored care for high-risk individuals with complex medical needs, a focus on preventive measures to reduce emergency incidents and hospital visits, enhanced mental health support and additional education on healthy living. 

“The Dufferin County Community Paramedic Program represents a ground-breaking approach to healthcare delivery. It empowers paramedics to use their expertise in non-emergency care roles, ultimately improving the quality of life for those individuals enrolled and helps them remain in their homes safely for longer periods and avoids unnecessary hospital visits,” said Kim Delahunt, President and CEO of Headwaters Health Care Centre.

In 2023, there were 2,042 in-home visits, 1,687 virtual visits and 27 patients enrolled in the remote patient monitoring program.

“The Dufferin County Community Paramedic Program continues to be a beacon of compassionate care, providing essential services to those who need it most,” reads the press release.

Anyone interested in the Community Paramedic Program can connect with the program directly by phone 1-844-791-1182 or by email,communityparamedic@dufferincounty.ca by completing a referral form.