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A program of the Clackamas County Public Health Division, funded by Supportive Housing Services
Clackamas County’s Community Paramedic Program plays a vital role in delivering emergency, primary care, and prevention services to medically underserved residents. More than 90% of the people served through the program are experiencing homelessness.
The program provides on-site medical assessments, treatment, and care coordination for individuals who might otherwise rely on emergency departments for non-emergency needs. By connecting people to more appropriate care settings, the program helps ensure better health outcomes while reducing strain on the emergency system.
In addition to immediate medical care, the Community Paramedic Program focuses on long-term stability. The community paramedic works closely with community-based organizations, health centers, law enforcement, crisis responders, and housing providers to address both health needs and social factors such as housing, food access, and behavioral health support.
The Clackamas County Public Health community paramedic operates under the medical direction of Dr. Ritu Sahni, Clackamas County EMS Medical Director, and follows 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
Learn more about how the program addresses homelessness through healthcare
What can the community paramedic help with?
Medical
- Medical assessments and vital signs
- Wound care and redressing
- Mental health crisis stabilization and suicide risk assessment
- Medication for opioid use disorder
- Vaccinations
- Home safety assessments, including fall risk and daily living needs
Prevention and education
- Education on medications, infections, sepsis, wound care, and overdose prevention
- Narcan education and use
- STI testing and education
- Help enrolling in health care coverage
Social services support
- Appointment scheduling
- Detox referrals
- Transportation support for medical care and essential services
- Referrals to shelter and housing
- Ongoing patient follow-up
Who can access the program?
The Community Paramedic Program supports people who face barriers to accessing health care and social services, as well as the organizations that assist them. Common partners and participants include:
- People experiencing homelessness
- People without health insurance
- Older adults and people with disabilities
- Homeless shelters and housing providers
- Social service agencies and nonprofit organizations
- Detox centers and mobile crisis responders
- Health centers and emergency departments
- Law enforcement and police departments
- Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
Learn more about how the Community Paramedic Program addresses homelessness through healthcare.
Contact
Clackamas County Community Paramedic Program
ph-ophescommunityparamedic@clackamas.us
