HARDIN COUNTY, Texas — Hardin County residents can now get their non-emergency health care needs addressed right in the comfort of their own home.
Mobile Integrated Healthcare is a new partnership between Hardin County ESD 2 and Lumberton Fire and EMS, approved by Hardin County Commissioners.
"We are the very first rural community paramedic program here in Texas," aid Mobile Integrated Healthcare Community Paramedic, Jay St. John.
With a population just shy of 57,000 people, Hardin County only has 10 primary care physicians and one physicians assistant.
"We have very limited medical services and a lot of individuals have to travel out of the county or some people actually use 911," said Hardin County Health Services Director, Sharon Whitley.
The goal of this program is to expand access to quality health care. If you can't travel to see a medical professional, a trained professional can come to you.
"Your lungs, I check your vital signs. I look at your medications, I look at your medical history. Have you been compliant? Are you taking your medicine like you're supposed to? Has your condition worsened? If it's worsened, what do we need to do? How do we need to address this?" said St. John.
They'll give immunizations, refer you to a doctor or find you transportation to the hospital.
"Based upon any type of situation, you have a loved one that was just discharged from the hospital and you say hey can you come out and look at them. Just to visit with them check on them? See how they're doing. I'll be more than happy to come out," St. John said.
Mobile Integrated Healthcare will even help with food resources.
This is a game changer for pregnant women, elderly people and people who live far from health care providers.
"Because we see individuals in WIC that can use this type of service. You know nutritional service. We have individuals that need certain vaccines. We don't do house visits, they do. So, that's how we work with them, to refer them out," Whitley said.
Program coordinators want to remind residents that this program is not a replacement for your primary care doctor.
An appointment can be requested here.