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A program of the Clackamas County Public Health Division, funded by Supportive Housing Services
Clackamas County’s new community paramedic program fills a critical role in providing emergency, primary care and prevention services for medically underserved people in the county. More than 90% of people served by the program are experiencing homelessness.
The Community Paramedic Program provides assessments, treatment and care coordination for people who might otherwise rely on the emergency room for non-emergent medical needs. By diverting patients to more appropriate care settings, the program ensures they receive the right level of care while also alleviating strain on the emergency system.
Beyond immediate medical care, the program focuses on long-term solutions by partnering with community-based organizations, health centers, law enforcement, crisis responders and housing providers to create a comprehensive public health network. This collaborative approach helps address both medical needs and social determinants of health, such as housing, food insecurity and behavioral health support. The Clackamas County Public Health community paramedic works under Clackamas County EMS medical director, Dr. Ritu Sahni, and under the Metro Regional EMS Consortium protocols.
"This work isn’t just about health care. It’s about giving people the chance to succeed in housing and life by addressing needs holistically."
– Jamie Breunig, Clackamas County Community Paramedic
What can the community paramedic help with?
Medical
- Medical assessment and vital signs
- Wound care and redressing
- Mental health crisis stabilization and suicide risk assessment
- Medication for opioid use disorder
- Vaccines
- Home assessments (fall risk, activities of daily living)
Prevention and education
- Education on medications, infection, sepsis, wound care, overdose prevention and Narcan use
- STI testing and education
- Health care enrollment
Social services
- Appointment scheduling
- Detox referral
- Support with transportation to medical care, social services and other essential needs
- Referrals to shelter and housing
- Patient follow-up
Who can access the program?
The community paramedic program is designed for people who have challenges navigating health care and social services, and for the people and organizations who support them. Common users include:
- Homeless shelters
- Housing providers
- Social service providers
- Nonprofit organizations
- Detox centers
- Mobile crisis responders
- Health centers and emergency departments
- Police departments and law enforcement
- People experiencing homelessness
- Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
- People without health insurance
- People with disabilities
- Older adults
