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Faculty

Sierra Rodriquez

Paramedic
Community Paramedic
UNC Health Nash

Sierra Rodriquez, Paramedic, is a licensed EMS professional affiliated with UNC Nash Healthcare in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, serving as a Community Paramedic specializing in Mobile Integrated Health and postpartum hypertension (PPHTN) follow-up care. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Emergency and Disaster Management from Western Carolina University and an Associate in Science from Nash Community College. Sierra has led major accomplishments within the MIH program, including expanding PPHTN home-visit services, developing standardized patient education aligned with UNC Health guidelines, strengthening interdisciplinary care coordination, and contributing to program quality metrics supporting NCOEMS and CAMTS accreditation efforts. A committed community leader, she also manages chronic disease outreach, conducts hospital consults, supports Safe Kids Coalition development, and provides mentorship through her role as a church youth leader and mom.

2026 Sessions

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

Yes, I understand

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.

Co-Presenter (2 Presenters)

Presenter (1 Presenter)

Thursday, October 01 2:15–3:15 PM
Room W240 C
Community Paramedicine
Faculty

Sierra Rodriquez

Paramedic
Community Paramedic
UNC Health Nash

Sierra Rodriquez, Paramedic, is a licensed EMS professional affiliated with UNC Nash Healthcare in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, serving as a Community Paramedic specializing in Mobile Integrated Health and postpartum hypertension (PPHTN) follow-up care. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Emergency and Disaster Management from Western Carolina University and an Associate in Science from Nash Community College. Sierra has led major accomplishments within the MIH program, including expanding PPHTN home-visit services, developing standardized patient education aligned with UNC Health guidelines, strengthening interdisciplinary care coordination, and contributing to program quality metrics supporting NCOEMS and CAMTS accreditation efforts. A committed community leader, she also manages chronic disease outreach, conducts hospital consults, supports Safe Kids Coalition development, and provides mentorship through her role as a church youth leader and mom.

Faculty

Devon McCroskey

Paramedic, AAS
Community paramedic
UNC Health Nash

Devon McCroskey, AAS, Paramedic, Community Paramedic with UNC Health Nash. With 10 years of EMS experience, including six years of frontline 9-1-1 service, Devon advances community paramedicine as a strategy to address social determinants of health. Her work centers on high-needs and underserved populations, integrating home-based care, chronic disease management, and interdisciplinary collaboration to reduce avoidable utilization and improve outcomes. She serves in a leadership role within her hospital’s Diabetic Triad, contributing to reduced readmissions and progress toward CAMTs accreditation. Devon holds an Associate of Applied Science in Emergency Services and is completing a BA in Community Paramedicine in 2026. An experienced educator and EMS preceptor, she is a committed advocate for individuals impacted by substance use and mental health challenges, advancing equitable, and community-centered healthcare delivery.
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