Pawtucket Fire Department launches proactive health care program

July 29, 2026 - 21:17

The Pawtucket Fire Department has launched a new initiative aimed at keeping residents healthier while reducing the number of repeat emergency calls. Called the Mobile Integrated Health program, or MIH, the effort shifts the department's focus from purely emergency response to proactive community care.

Under the program, specially trained firefighters and paramedics will follow up with frequent 911 callers. Instead of waiting for another emergency, these teams will visit people in their homes to check on chronic conditions, manage medications, and connect them with primary care doctors. The goal is to catch small problems before they turn into crises that require a trip to the hospital.

Fire officials say many of the department's calls come from the same individuals, often elderly or disabled residents who lack regular access to healthcare. By addressing those root causes, the MIH program hopes to cut down on unnecessary ambulance rides and emergency room visits. That frees up resources for genuine emergencies and saves money for both the city and patients.

The program is still in its early stages, but leaders expect it to build trust between residents and first responders. They also hope it will serve as a model for other fire departments looking to do more than just fight fires and handle accidents. For now, the focus is on building relationships and keeping people healthy at home.