July 23, 2025 — The Lee Board of County Commissioners recently approved an agreement with Lee Health to expand Lee County’s Community Paramedicine Program, further advancing the health system’s mission to ensure timely access to care for all.
The program started this month at Cape Coral Hospital, initially focusing on patients with sepsis and congestive heart failure. The pilot program will expand in the future to cover other locations in the county.
It employs a multidisciplinary team, including emergency medicine technicians (EMTs), paramedics, case managers and social workers to provide in-home care. This approach aims to reduce non-critical ambulance trips, emergency department visits for conditions less likely to worsen or cause complications and meet the needs of Southwest Florida’s increasing population.
By reducing these types of visits, the program is intended to bring impactful care to patients in need and also reduce unnecessary emergency medical services transport, emergency department overutilization, hospital readmission, assist with access to care, and improve community relations by building and expanding post-acute services as individuals recover from a serious injury or illness.
Non-emergent patients who are eligible for the program include patients who are at risk of falls or hospital readmission, have a high utilization of the emergency department and hospital services, have limited caregiver support, and lack post-discharge healthcare resources.
The goal for this program is to keep patients from returning to the hospital for follow-up care, accelerating recovery and enhancing overall health.
“We’re proud to partner with Lee County to bring care directly into patients’ homes,” said Lee Health’s chief medical officer, Dr. Iahn Gonsenhauser. “By reducing unnecessary ambulance trips for non-critical injuries and illnesses, this program ensures patients receive the right care at the right time while making sure they have all they need for a successful recovery at home. Collaborating with dedicated first responders and like-minded community partners allows us to provide personalized, in-home care that helps patients recover safely and comfortably, improving health outcomes and strengthening our community.”
In 2024, the Lee Board of County Commissioners approved an agreement to launch the first phase of this program in coordination with the Florida Department of Children and Families, which has exceeded its initial goals.
Lee County welcomes the opportunity to demonstrate the success of this crucial partnership. Aligning patients with appropriate resources and fostering an environment of healing at home will improve the health and well-being of the individuals served by this innovative program.
To learn more about the expanded Community Paramedicine Program, please visit www.leegov.com/publicsafety/chp.
About Lee Health
Since the opening of the first hospital in 1916, Lee Health has been a health care leader in Southwest Florida, constantly evolving to meet the needs of the community. A non-profit, integrated health care services organization, Lee Health is committed to the well-being of every individual served, focused on healthy living and maintaining good health. Health care services are conveniently located throughout the community in four acute care hospitals, two specialty hospitals, outpatient centers, walk-in medical centers, primary care and specialty physician practices and other services across the continuum of care. Learn more at www.LeeHealth.org.
