Community Care Program

Joliet Fire Department Launches Community Paramedic Program in Partnership with Will County Health Clinic

The Joliet Fire Department (JFD), in partnership with the Will County Health Clinic, is proud to announce a new initiative aimed at improving the health and well-being of Joliet residents through expanded access to Community Paramedic (CP) services.

The program embeds a Community Paramedic directly into the patient care process at the Clinic, providing at-home follow-up visits for individuals with chronic health conditions that are frequently linked to hospital readmissions. These conditions include congestive heart failure (CHF), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), diabetes, post-surgical recovery, and mental health challenges.

This innovative partnership ensures patients have access to critical support services at no cost, helping them manage their conditions more effectively at home while reducing unnecessary hospital visits.

Community Paramedics will work closely with Clinic staff to provide personalized follow-up care. Their responsibilities include checking vital signs, ensuring patients are attending follow-up medical appointments, verifying prescriptions and medications, and assessing the safety of the home environment. The program also supports long-term health goals and improvements in quality of life.

In addition to health monitoring, CPs collaborate with the Joliet Fire Department social workers and local agencies to connect patients with other essential resources such as food, transportation, or housing assistance that fall outside the scope of traditional medical care.

The program has been implemented at Silver Cross Hospital and St Joseph Medical Center for Joliet residents.

For more information about the Community Paramedic Program, please contact the Joliet Fire Department by email at JFDHHS@joliet.gov or by phone at 815-724-3512.