Field Notes: Mental Health, Mobile Clinics & MIH Highlights

We Return to Past Issues Influential MIH Programs and Federal Funds Restore Lifeline to Maine’s Community Paramedics

June 11, 2025

Hi there,

In this issue we return to some program’s from past issues and look at how they’ve developed or regressed.

From new mental health response teams in Oklahoma City to restored federal funding in Maine, communities across the country are proving that smart, community-centered care can make a real difference.

Let’s dive into the stories making impact:

Content Overview:

  1. Trivia

  2. Oklahoma City's New Emergency Mental Health Response Team

  3. Weekly Bonus Bite

  4. Wauconda Fire Assists Frequent Fliers

  5. Cass County’s Mobile Clinic

  6. Community Paramedicine Makes a Splash at Island EMS

    Total: 2 minutes

New Program

Oklahoma City has introduced two specialized teams to address mental health emergencies: the Crisis Response Team and the Alternative Response Team. The Crisis Response Team, comprising a paramedic and a navigator, handles severe mental health crises by de-escalating situations and stabilizing individuals on-site. In high-risk scenarios, they may be accompanied by law enforcement officers trained in crisis intervention.

The Alternative Response Team focuses on less severe behavioral health issues and overdose cases, providing treatment, support, and follow-up care. This initiative aims to decriminalize mental health issues by offering non-punitive support and connecting individuals to appropriate services. Overall, the program seeks to reduce unnecessary hospitalizations and improve outcomes for those experiencing mental health challenges.

Approximately $1 million in federal funding has been reinstated for community paramedicine programs in Maine. These programs proactively support patients at home to prevent unnecessary 911 calls and emergency room visits, enhancing healthcare efficiency and patient outcomes.

Julota's MIH-CP software empowers community paramedics to deliver smarter, more connected care by simplifying fragmented data and streamlining processes. With real-time patient insights, automated reporting, customizable workflows, secure HIPAA and CFR-42-compliant collaboration, and actionable analytics, Julota enables impactful care and improved outcomes. Designed to bridge healthcare and social determinants of health, it helps your program stay ahead of change.

Accessibility

The Wauconda Fire Protection District in Illinois has implemented a Mobile Integrated Healthcare–Community Paramedicine (MIH-CP) program to assist "frequent fliers"—individuals with chronic health issues who frequently call 911.

By providing free, non-emergency, preventive care at home, the program aims to reduce the strain on emergency services and improve patient health outcomes. Initially targeting rural residents, the program has expanded to suburban areas, reflecting its success and adaptability.

The initiative not only alleviates pressure on EMS staff and hospitals but also offers personalized care to patients, addressing their specific health needs more effectively. This proactive approach exemplifies a shift towards community-based healthcare solutions that prioritize prevention and patient education.

Flexibility

Cass County Health Department is teaming up with Image Clear Ultrasound to provide mobile medical services across the community. The clinics will offer free pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, immunizations, STI testing, blood pressure checks, and more. Services will be available at Calvary Presbyterian Church in June, Revolution Community Church in July, and LifeGate Church in August. Each location will host clinics on specific weekdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Appointments are encouraged for ultrasound services, though walk-ins are welcome as time permits. The initiative aims to increase accessibility to essential health services through mobile outreach.

Thanks for reading!

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