CHECKUP Program

Portsmouth Fire, Rescue and Emergency Medical Services’ (PFRES) CHECKUP program is a community based, Mobile Integrated Healthcare (MIH) program which is fully coalesced into the City of Portsmouth’s healthcare system.

Goal

While the potential benefits of this program are limitless, the primary goal, in keeping with the “Healthy Portsmouth” initiative, is the overall improved health of the Citizens of Portsmouth, with a specific focus on those with chronic disease management needs.

Actions Taken

Utilizing the highly trained and experienced PFRES paramedics, along with medical oversight, we strive to meet this goal by:

  • Providing access to appropriate resources
  • Providing community education for individuals with chronic medical problems
  • Serving as an advocate for the patient

Through these initiatives we will help to reduce unnecessary emergency department visits, reduce the potential for hospital re-admission, and reduce strain on local resources.

Local Resources

The CHECKUP program is a collaborative endeavor which utilizes multiple local resources such as:

  • Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center
  • City of Portsmouth
    • Health Department
    • Mental Health
    • Social Services
  • Community Involved Agencies
  • Local Physician Offices
  • PFRES
  1. Community Needs
  2. How It Works
  3. Community Paramedic Advantages
  4. Graduation
  • Access to medications - Monetary and transportation barriers create medication compliance issues.
  • Access to primary care physicians - The national shortage and increased demand make access difficult.
  • Access to resources - Navigation of the various systems is challenging for many individuals
  • Education - Increased knowledge regarding medications and chronic medical conditions empowers patients to make healthier choices.
  • Prevention of injury and recurrent illness - Reduces emergency department visits and hospital re-admissions