Frontenac Paramedics Community Paramedicine program receives $6.5M
The Government of Ontario made an announcement Thursday, Feb. 18, 2021, saying it is investing $6.5 million over four years to enhance Frontenac Paramedics’ Community Paramedicine program.
According to a release from the County of Frontenac, the funds are intended to support people on the wait list for long-term care, those who are eligible for long-term care, or those soon to be eligible for long-term care, by providing in-home care that stabilizes their illness or disease trajectory.
Frontenac Paramedics have provided community paramedicine wellness clinics to residents of Frontenac County and Kingston since 2014 and have been integral in helping with the community’s response to COVID-19, the County said in the release. Community Paramedics will use the new funds to provide diagnostic procedures, assessments, testing, routine monitoring, and medical treatments in the comfort of people’s own homes.
“We’re all very proud of the difference the program has made in the community to date but we could see very clearly that, with the right resources, there is more work we could do to help people stay safely in their homes longer,” says Frontenac Paramedics Chief, Gale Chevalier. “This funding will go a long way to that end. I’d like thank the Province of Ontario for providing these new resources. We’re eager to put them to good use for the residents of Kingston and Frontenac County.”
According to the release, paramedics will advise and assist patients with navigating the healthcare system. Services will be prompt and flexible, adapting a proactive response to each individual’s changing circumstances.
“Our Community Paramedicine program is a model for other services and this funding will help Frontenac Paramedics to better support some of our most vulnerable citizens,” says Frontenac County Warden, Ron Vandewal. “I’d like to thank the Frontenac Paramedics’ leadership team who have provided the Province with support information over the past several months and to Frontenac County Council and the members of the Eastern
Ontario Warden’s Caucus who have championed community paramedicine over the past two years. This is a key part of our advocacy efforts with the Province.”
For more information on community paramedicine, visit their website. and learn more about Frontenac Paramedics here.