Meeting Patients Where They Are: Community Paramedicine as a Tool for Addressing Social Determinants of Health

Community paramedicine programs are emerging as a frontline strategy to address social determinants of health, such as housing instability, transportation barriers, food insecurity, and limited access to primary care. All of these factors play a part in the increased usage of emergency care and preventable hospitalizations. Recent EMS literature highlights that community paramedic interventions can improve patient outcomes by providing home-based assessments, reducing avoidable visits, and facilitating access to community resources (TandF). Local data from community health assessments in Wilson, Nash, Edgecombe, and Halifax, North Carolina, counties reveal significant SDOH-driven disparities, including high chronic disease burden and gaps in primary care access. Findings like these emphasize the need for healthcare models that engage patients beyond traditional clinical settings. CPs are positioned in unique ways to meet patients where they are and assess both clinical and social needs while coordinating individualized interventions in collaboration with public health and community partners. This session will explore evidence-based strategies and practical workflows for integrating SDOH-focused approaches into CP programs. Attendees will gain actionable tools to identify social needs, enhance health outcomes, connect patients to resources, and ultimately strengthen the role of EMS in promoting equitable, patient-centered care.