Empress has reached an agreement with Putnam County to provide Community Paramedicine/Mobile Integrated Healthcare for Putnam County residents. Community paramedicine involves delivering needed services to residents in their own homes rather than having people call 911 to be transported to the hospital for conditions that are not emergencies. The program is expected to start by the end of October.
Putnam County Executive Kevin Byrne announced the new initiative on social media and in his 2026 Budget Address last week.
“Back in 2023, we entered into a new contract for countywide advanced life support services. That contract set Putnam County apart from most counties across the state. … Putnam was the first county government in New York to directly fund countywide paramedic services, sparing our towns and villages from shouldering that enormous financial burden. … It was the right thing to do and has been a vital service for our residents,” Byrne said. The cost now stands at $2.8 million annually.
“We know we can improve upon the current system. That is why we are updating our contract to launch a community paramedicine pilot program. Community paramedicine takes paramedics out of the traditional respond-and-transport model and empowers them to serve in expanded roles,” Byrne said. “These professionals will assist with public health, primary care and preventative services right in people’s homes, especially for our seniors, homebound residents and those struggling with chronic conditions. That means fewer unnecessary emergency calls and fewer costly ER visits, which not only equate to savings for taxpayers, but a better quality of life for our residents.
Variety of services provided
“Services could include things like wound care, medication adjustments, blood draws, even telehealth consultations and fall prevention efforts. It’s about meeting residents where they are, literally at their doorsteps, to provide the care they need before a crisis ever occurs. It’s about ensuring that no matter your age, income or circumstance, that you can count on Putnam County to have your back, and it’s worth noting that this program already has the full support of the Putnam County EMS Council.”
“We are pleased to expand our services in Putnam County to include community paramedicine/mobile integrated healthcare. These expanded services will not only save communities money, but also keep our emergency services ready and waiting for when true emergencies occur,” said Robert Stuck, executive director of Empress North.
