The Florida Developmental Disabilities Council is pleased to announce the immediate availability of a community paramedicine program for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), their families and caregivers in Orange County.

The pilot project, Community Paramedics, is designed to deliver healthcare at-home by trained paramedics. Visits typically include a basic health and safety assessment, education about COVID-19, and administration of the COVID-19 vaccine or booster. A minimum of two home visits is offered and services are free.

Healthcare providers and community agencies in Orange County can refer individuals with I/DD and their families to Community Paramedics. Individuals with I/DD, their families and caregivers can also self-refer to the program (www.ParamedicsforIDD.org).

Community paramedicine allows paramedics to operate in expanded roles by assisting with public health, primary healthcare and preventive services to underserved populations in the community. Primary goals of community paramedicine programs are to improve access to care, reduce barriers to care and decrease costs of healthcare services.

The Community Paramedics program is a nonprofit partnership spearheaded by the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council, WellFlorida Council and Health Council of East Central Florida. It is funded in part by the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council, Inc. and the Administration for Community Living. Paramedic services are provided by Care-A-Medix, a program of the Health Council of East Central Florida.