The Community Paramedic Program in Stokes County started in 2019 in response to covid. 

Funding initially came from Opioid Settlement Funds. The CPP operates out of the Emergency Management system.

The Community Paramedic functions alone and as a member of a healthcare team providing assessment and care to patients with chronic medical, behavioral problems and substance abuse. Identifies patient’s needs and assists in connecting patients with available community and medical resources.   As a Community Paramedic must attend to the physical and emotional needs and wellbeing of the patient and when appropriate, the family and significant others. They are a emerging healthcare profession which helps improve rural healthcare. Community Paramedics work to expand roles outside of the ambulance. Community Paramedics of Stokes County work closely with local fire departments, home health agencies, social services, and other officials to ensure patient safety. 

Connecting the citizens of Stokes County to the underutilized resources to underserved populations regarding substance abuse/overdoses.  It exists for the sole purpose of serving the needs of a particular community.  

The Community Paramedic Program closes the gap by expanding the role of EMS personnel.  Bridging the gap between substance use, mental health, and chronic health conditions.   We can offer treatment plans to assist through withdrawal symptoms if requirements are met until further assistance is available. We can connect with longer term recovery options.

• Home Safety Assessments 
• Care Coordination
• Substance Abuse Resource Navigation 
• Mental Health Resource Navigation
• Home Health Coordination
• Transportation assistance to medical appointments
• Physical, Mental and Functional Assessments
• Medication Reconciliation 
• Intensive Case Management
• Public Education
• Opioid Response Team 
• Offer at home Narcan and provide education along with signs and symptoms of overdose.

Stokes County Health Department's Medication Assisted Therapy (MAT) program has been successful in fall of 2023. We were awarded grants to continue to support our clients with their treatment and recovery goals. We continue to see an increase in patients resulting in our largest caseload since the establishment of the program.