In July 2021, Island Health, in partnership with the Anacortes Fire Department, launched the Community Paramedicine Program — a unique, proactive approach to addressing the medical and social needs of vulnerable members of our community. This program was created with a dual mission: to improve individual outcomes for high-risk and underserved populations while reducing strain on emergency services and hospital resources.
As we head into our 4th year, we are thrilled to thank HF Sinclair for their generous $25,000 gift in support of this vital program. Their contribution helps ensure that the most vulnerable in our community continue to receive care, compassion, and connection when and where they need it most.
Community Paramedic Steve Monrad serves as the frontline responder for this initiative. From helping patients obtain medical equipment and prescriptions, to providing fall-risk assessments and conducting post-hospitalization follow-ups, Steve’s work bridges gaps in care that often go unmet. He works closely with Lauren Niven, MSW, Island Health’s Emergency Department Case Manager, to connect individuals with the health, social, and community resources they need to thrive.
The impact of this program is significant and measurable. Last year alone, a cohort of patients enrolled in the program experienced a 52% reduction in 911 calls, from 201 calls prior to enrollment to just 96 afterward. These aren’t just statistics, they represent lives stabilized, crises averted, and people living more safely and independently in their homes.
Many of those served are older adults, individuals with complex medical conditions, or those struggling with behavioral health or substance use. By providing consistent, personalized support, the Community Paramedicine Program addresses the root causes of repeated emergency service use.
As the demand for this program continues to grow, support from community partners like HF Sinclair allows us to sustain and expand this critical work. Together, we’re helping reduce hospital readmissions, ease the burden on emergency services, and provide a safety net for those who need it most.
Thank you again to HF Sinclair for helping us meet people where they are — and lifting up the entire community in the process.