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Clackamas County’s new community paramedic program fills a critical role in providing emergency and primary care for medically underserved people in the county. Recently, The Oregonian/Oregon Live rode along with Clackamas County community Paramedic Jamie Breunig. On the day of the ride-along, Jamie visited several clients, including Sheri. Jamie had helped Sheri get into a detox program, and this day she was following up.
On any given work day, Jamie visits people on the street or in the woods, dresses wounds, takes vital signs, makes medical appointments for people, arranges their transportation, and refers people to housing programs. Jamie prioritizes building trust with clients and supporting them to pursue their health and housing goals.
“This work isn’t just about healthcare,” says Jamie. “It’s about giving people the chance to succeed in housing and life by addressing needs holistically.”
In the last two years, Clackamas County has focused on integrating its housing and health programs to more effectively address homelessness. While a lack of housing significantly harms health and life expectancy, access to physical and mental healthcare can support people to gain and maintain their housing (United States Interagency Council on Homelessness). Understanding this link, Clackamas County has strengthened its health and housing integrations, from placing housing staff to work in health clinics, to establishing the Stabilization Center that addresses mental health crises and provides transitional housing, to the community paramedic program, and more.
Clackamas County’s community paramedic program saves money by reducing 911 calls, ambulance rides and emergency department visits. The community paramedic program is funded by the regional Supportive Housing Services Measure as part of Clackamas County’s work to end homelessness.
In June 2025, after The Oregonian article was published and after months of working with her, Jamie helped Sheri move into a permanent apartment.