Grant to help Putnam EMS launch mobile integrated health program

Putnam County Emergency Medical Services has been awarded a $315,000 grant from the State of Indiana Family and Social Services Administration to establish a new Mobile Integrated Health program.

This initiative will focus on addressing critical health care needs related to mental health and substance abuse within the community by delivering mobile health care services directly to residents.

The MIH program will provide critically needed care to underserved populations, reducing barriers such as transportation and cost, while minimizing reliance on emergency rooms for non-emergency care. The program will integrate health care services with mental health, trauma-informed care and substance abuse support, offering a holistic and proactive approach to patient care in Putnam County.

Putnam County EMS will soon start developing clinical protocols for the MIH program in collaboration with Dr. Paige Ostahowski, medical director for PCEMS out of Indiana University Health – Methodist in Indianapolis.

Additionally, a steering committee comprising key community stakeholders has been established. This committee includes representatives from Cummins Mental Health, Putnam County Sheriff's Office, Putnam County Hospital, Putnam County Health Department, DePauw University, Greencastle Fire Department, Beyond Homeless Inc., the Putnam County Community Foundation and the City of Greencastle. These partnerships will play an integral role in ensuring the program's success by fostering collaboration across various sectors.

In the coming months, PCEMS will work to establish two key positions: An MIH director and a community paramedic, both of whom will help each other manage the day-to-day operations of the program, while Chief Kelly Russ and Chief Anthony Taylor will oversee the program in their respective roles at PCEMS.

These new positions will be formally discussed at upcoming Putnam County Commissioner and Putnam County Council meetings.

While the immediate focus of the MIH program is on mental health and substance abuse services, PCEMS envisions expanding the program in the future. Potential growth areas include aging in place, which will help residents remain in their homes longer by bringing health care and social services directly to them, and chronic health management to support individuals with multiple conditions who frequently utilize hospital services.

Putnam County EMS has also submitted an application to the Indiana Department of Homeland Security for approval to officially operate as an MIH Program. The agency looks forward to making strides in this initiative and improving access to health care services for residents across the county.

For more information about the MIH program, contact Chief Russ at kelly.russ@co.putnam.in.us.