Harnett County Emergency Medical Services launched a Community Paramedic Program in 2020 to help bridge gaps in healthcare and bring care directly to residents. Unlike traditional paramedics who primarily respond to emergencies, community paramedics focus on preventative, urgent, and follow-up care to improve health outcomes and reduce avoidable 911 calls.

This week, our community paramedics released a short video highlighting what community paramedics do, how their role differs from traditional paramedics, and how they serve residents.

“We bridge the gap between emergency care and long-term recovery, making sure no one slips through the cracks,” said Leslie Owens and Jennifer Haney, Community Paramedics.

Community paramedics play a role in supporting vulnerable populations and individuals with limited access to healthcare. Their services include:

• Home visits to ensure continuity of care
• Helping patients manage chronic health conditions
• Fall prevention and harm reduction strategies
• Connecting patients with other medical, social, and community resources
• Providing education and support.

These services are designed to provide timely and compassionate support before a medical crisis occurs, ultimately lowering healthcare costs and improving quality of life.

The program was initially launched through a grant in collaboration with local hospitals, with a focus on reducing 30-day hospital readmissions for patients with chronic conditions. When grant funding ended in 2023 and local hospitals merged with a larger system, the program pivoted to also address the opioid crisis.

As part of this expansion, the Post Overdose Response Team (PORT) was created to addresses substance use disorders and overdose prevention. The team focuses on:

1. Emergency Response and Immediate Care

2. Harm Reduction and Outreach

3. Post-Overdose Follow Up and Connection to Treatment

4. Social Support and Long-Term Connection

Through education and reducing of the stigma of substance abuse in our community, the program has seen more families and individuals seeking support and a reduction in overdoses.

“We’re not here to judge – we're here to listen, guide, and connect people to the help they deserve,” said Haney and Owens.

“This program is about more than emergencies – it's about recovery, resilience, and rebuilding lives,” said Owens.

To learn more about the services community paramedics provide the community or to refer someone you know to the program, visit: Community Paramedic.