Plano Fire-Rescue’s Community Paramedic program has been honored with a national award from the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) for the Community Paramedicine Program.
The association recognizes local government programs that demonstrate innovation, excellence and success in the community’s safety, health and/or wellness, according to a press release.
The City of Plano and Plano Fire-Rescue will be honored with the award at ICMA’s Annual Conference in Austin on October 3, where City Manager Mark Israelson will accept the award on behalf of the city.
The award comes almost 10 years after Plano implemented a collaborative partnership with local hospitals funded by the hospitals and insurance systems, known as the Community Paramedicine Program. The program offers services in healthcare navigation with social service referrals, a High 911 Utilizer Group (HUG), mental health and substance abuse services and readmission avoidance services. The program is part of the Emergency Medical Services Agenda for the Future which called for “community-based health management… fully integrated with the overall health care system… able to identify and modify illness and injury risks… able to provide acute illness and injury care and follow-up, and, able to contribute to treatment of chronic conditions and community health monitoring… .”
According to the city of Plano, ICMA officials say that through the “Community Paramedic Program, Plano is setting the standard for innovation, effectiveness and creativity.”
Planoite Michael Boese has also been recommended by the Credentialing Advisory Board of ICMA to receive ICMA Credentialed Manager or Candidate status, which designates professional local government managers based on their experience, high standards of integrity and commitment to lifelong learning and professional development. The designation is also held by City Manager Mark Israelson and Deputy City Manager Shelli Siemer.
