LFD Awarded MIH Grant

Lawrence Fire Department Awarded Grant to Support Mobile Integrated Healthcare Program

Lawrence, IN – Mayor Deb Whitfield announced today that the City of Lawrence Fire Department has been awarded a $21,988 grant from the Emergency Medical Services Division of the Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) to support the City’s new Mobile Integrated Healthcare (MIH) Program, launched earlier this year.

Fire Chief Bob Wallace noted that the grant funding will support three key components of the program:

     • Three POCUS ultrasound devices – one for each ambulance and one for the Emergency Duty Officer (EDO) ($18,300)

     • Two EMS bags to be stocked with MIH-specific supplies ($1,000)

     • Community paramedicine training for the department’s EDOs ($2,688)

On October 11, 2024, IDHS formally approved the City of Lawrence as a recognized Mobile Integrated Health Provider. The Lawrence Fire Department has long recognized the community’s need for both pre-emergency and post-emergency medical support. Through the MIH program, the department is proactively expanding its reach to provide high-quality, patient-centered care before a 911 call is ever made.

The program focuses on delivering in-home and community-based medical support to residents experiencing challenges such as homelessness, mental health needs, substance use disorders, chronic medical conditions, and other barriers to accessing traditional healthcare.

With the launch of MIH and this new wave of support from IDHS, the Lawrence Fire Department continues its commitment to improving health outcomes, reducing emergency calls, and providing innovative, compassionate care for all members of the community.