Podcast: Latest Episode of 'Talking Health in the 406' Discusses Community Integrated Health Through EMS
One way physical and mental health care is being augmented by EMS in one rural Montana district is discussed on DPHHS' podcast
By Denise Rivette
Released today by Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) is a 22 minute podcast discussing how medical care in some rural Montana communities is delivered by local Emergency Medical Services (EMS). It follows one woman’s journey in Jefferson Valley and shows how EMS delivered Community Integrated Health (CIH) services can be useful in augmenting routine medical care in the community. .
When asked about such programs, Assistant EMS Chief for Red Lodge Fire Rescue Torsten Prahl said, “Red Lodge Fire and Rescue has been utilizing community health grants to provide CIH services for approximately five years. We’re running out of funding in March and have not been able to find additional funding mechanisms. The issue is Medicare and insurance has not really gotten to the point of paying for services rendered.” The programs are run through a grant with little to no cost to the patients. It remains to be seen what the long term benefits and savings are and if long term funding can be found to maintain the services once grants run out.
As the Carbon County EMS districts are in the process of asking the community what it wants of its EMS teams as they re-envision how they provide services to the community, it’s interesting to see what other communities are doing with their services. If you haven’t taken the EMS survey yet, you can take at carboncountymtems.org or use the QR code below:
#29 - Aubrie Carey: Integrating Community Resources Into Your Health Journey Through Local EMS
Guest Aubrie Carey talks about her health care journey as she navigates pregnancy in a rural area. She found support through Community Integrated Health (CIH) at the local Jefferson Valley EMS Service, who provided comprehensive health care during her pregnancy and after the birth of her child. This story is about resilience and the power of a supportive community.
Talking Health in the 406 is available wherever you listen to your podcasts. Subscribe on the platform of your choice.
Talking Health in the 406 is a new podcast by DPHHS on a variety of wellness topics designed to raise awareness of issues that impact the daily lives of Montanans.
If you have a topic you would like to hear about, or a story to share, please contact the podcast at Talkinghealthinthe406@mt.gov.