Mayor Linda Gorton and Fire Chief Jason Wells this morning cut a ribbon to officially open new offices for Lexington’s Community Paramedicine program.
“These new offices will streamline and support the work of Community Paramedicine, which has transformed how the Lexington Fire Department responds to complex, high-need populations,” Gorton said
Since it began in 2018, Gorton, a registered nurse, has greatly expanded the Community Paramedic program. It now addresses the unique needs of those struggling with substance use, behavioral health issues, or chronic system involvement, delivering care that’s proactive, not just reactive.
“Community Paramedicine has strengthened the Department’s efforts, improved patient outcomes, and reduced the burden on frontline apparatus, like emergency medical vehicles, by responding to individuals in crisis and addressing root causes of frequent emergency service use,” Gorton said. The program works to bridge gaps in care and meet people where they are—physically, emotionally, and socially, she said.