Table of Contents:

• CareBridge Initiative Launches to Close Primary Care Gaps in West Parry Sound

• Bonus Brief

• Miami Township Trustees Greenlight New Community Paramedic Role to Enhance Local Health

• Pickens County Launches Community Paramedic Program to Combat Substance Use Disorders

Read time: 3 minutes

New Program

The West Parry Sound Ontario Health Team (OHT) has officially launched CareBridge, a new collaborative service designed to provide medical care to residents currently without a family doctor. Operated in partnership with the West Parry Sound Health Centre Rural Nurse Practitioner Clinic and the Parry Sound Family Health Team, this program acts as a vital link for unattached patients in the region.

The initiative utilizes modern scheduling and streamlined coordination to offer interim health services while actively helping patients find permanent primary care providers. By focusing on non-emergency, timely care, CareBridge aims to reduce the burden on local emergency departments and ensure no resident is left without medical support. This launch fulfills a provincial mandate for Ontario Health Teams to implement innovative, community-based solutions to improve patient attachment. Ultimately, the program represents a significant step toward achieving full primary care coverage for every citizen in the West Parry Sound area.

New Program

In a unanimous decision, the Miami Township Trustees have approved the creation of a new, 40-hour career community paramedic position for Miami Township Fire-Rescue (MTFR). Chief James Cannell introduced the role as a "medical prevention-type initiative" focused on delivering non-emergency, in-home care to residents while connecting them with vital social services. Following the approval, the board appointed Steffinie Brewer to fill the position, which officially went into effect in late December 2025.

The program aims to reduce hospital readmissions and help manage chronic conditions by providing proactive follow-ups that bridge the gap between doctor visits. Additionally, the community paramedic will collaborate closely with local police outreach specialists to address broader needs like food security, transportation, and mental health resources. While the primary focus remains on prevention, the role is also designed to bolster emergency response capabilities when local staffing demands peak.

Funding

Pickens County Emergency Medical Services has officially introduced a specialized Community Paramedic program designed to provide dedicated support for residents struggling with substance and opioid use disorders. Unlike traditional emergency response, this initiative focuses on long-term recovery by meeting patients where they are to offer guidance and medical resources outside of a crisis setting.

The program aims to bridge the gap between emergency overdose interventions and sustainable rehabilitation by connecting individuals with local treatment providers and support networks. By utilizing community paramedics, the county hopes to reduce the cycle of repeat emergency calls and hospitalizations related to drug use. This proactive approach reflects a growing trend in the Upstate to treat addiction as a chronic health condition requiring consistent, community-based care. Ultimately, the initiative seeks to save lives by fostering trust and providing a clear pathway to recovery for the region’s most vulnerable citizens.