Nash UNC Health Care Foundation Receives $225,000 Grant from NC DHHS to Expand Community Paramedic Program
(Left to Right: Bill Lehnes, chair of Nash UNC Health Care board; Marlo Williams, chair of the Nash UNC Foundation board; Kathleen Fleming, director of the Nash UNC Foundation; Senator Lisa Barnes; Lee Isley, president & CEO of Nash UNC Health Care)
The Nash UNC Health Care Foundation recently received a grant of $225,000 from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NC DHHS) to assist with the expansion of the hospital’s Community Paramedic Program, thanks to advocacy from NC State Senator Lisa Barnes (R – District 11 – Nash, Johnston).
“The community paramedic program stemmed from a need for patients in the community to have a resource to reduce hospital readmissions, decrease emergency department visits, and connect patients to other outpatient resources,” said Nash UNC Health Care Foundation Director Kathleen Fleming. “Since launching the program, it has helped reduce unnecessary hospitalizations of enrolled patients.”
The Foundation has already worked to expand the program since its launch in Nov. 2020, growing from one paramedic to four and increasing the number of patients the program can reach for follow-up care after discharge.
Fleming is excited to see how the new funds will grow the program and further benefit the community.
“This grant allowed us to expand the program, which includes an additional community paramedic, vehicle and additional supplies to support patient needs,” said Fleming.
NC State Senator Lisa Barnes played a role in the Foundation receiving the grant through her advocacy for the financial support.
“The foundation is grateful to Sen. Barnes for helping us secure the grant and to have her as an advocate for improved healthcare in our region,” said Fleming.
Sen. Barnes, formerly a member of the NC House of Representatives, has served as senator of the 11th district since January 1, 2021. Barnes is also a member of the Health Care Senate Standing Committee and has a special interest in improving quality of life of NC citizens while expanding across to healthcare. She previously served as a Nash County Commissioner and on the Nash UNC Health Care board of commissioners.
“Since joining public service, improving the quality of life for my constituents while being cost-friendly has been an important cause to me. The grant will help Nash UNC Health Care grow its community paramedic program and continue to support the citizens of Nash County,” said Barnes.
Financial contributions to the Foundation help provide the resources necessary to maintain the highest level of patient and family support, while also investing in medical technology and equipment, facilities and community health resources. For more information about the Foundation or to donate, please visit nashuncfoundation.org.
