Community Paramedic

Formerly known as the Community Paramedic Program, the C.A.R.E. Program is a proactive, patient-centered model that extends traditional emergency medical services beyond the 911 call. Our specially trained paramedic serves as a vital link between individuals and the broader healthcare and social support systems. We conduct home visits to assess medical conditions, manage chronic diseases, follow up after hospital discharges, and help reduce unnecessary ER visits.

But our role goes beyond medical care—we also act as frontline social advocates. Many of our patients face challenges that impact their health long before a crisis occurs: unstable housing, food insecurity, substance use, mental health struggles, and limited access to transportation or insurance. Community paramedics are trained to identify these social determinants of health and work collaboratively with local agencies, case managers, and social workers to connect individuals with the resources they need.

By bridging the gap between healthcare and social services, our program empowers individuals to take control of their health, supports underserved populations, and builds stronger, healthier communities from the ground up.

Community paramedics can connect citizens to medical and social services such as:

• Care plan follow-up                
• Housing navigation                                                                   
• Transportation for care
• In-home care referrals
• Mental and behavioral health services
• Substance abuse recovery
• Food services
• Durable Medical Equipment
• Insurance navigation
• Education and Workforce opportunities
• Specialty services for the aging, disabled, and veteran populations

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Formerly AuntBertha.com, FindHelp.org is a search engine for supplemental assistance programs near you. Enter your zip code and get help with food assistance, help paying bills, and other free or reduced cost programs, including new programs for the COVID-19 pandemic.

211 Virginia is connecting people throughout the Commonwealth with the information and resources they need.  It's a free, confidential, and accessible service that connects people with information on available community services throughout the Commonwealth. Whether you need assistance with housing, food, healthcare, or other services, 211 Virginia is here to help. 

The Vial of Life Project is a smart way to have your medical information organized and on-hand for first responders in the event of an emergency. Download and print for FREE the essential forms, decals and instructions to assemble your kit athttps://www.vialoflife.com/.

TheShenandoah Area Agency on Aging is a community source for information, referral and support services focused on the health, safety and well-being of older individuals and their caregivers. SAAA also has a variety of health and wellness programs available to help older adults live independently and promote healthy aging. Reach out to the Area Agency on Aging to sign up for a workshop or to find the answers to your questions on aging and community support services.

The Winchester Parks and Recreation Department has partnered with the Shenandoah Area Agency on Aging and is open to anyone 60 years of age and older. The Active Living Center is located at Winchester Parks & Recreation and offers a wide variety of activities, trips, socialization, current events, and fellowship. Noontime meals are available on days of operation. Nutrition and health programs and screenings are presented on a regular basis. WinReady, public transportation in the City of Winchester, is available for those unable to drive. Paratransit services also available.

A leader in senior safety and research which has helped over 25 million seniors and caretakers since it's inception. Learn more atwww.seniorliving.org.

Access Independence promotes independent living by providing services and resources that enhance the quality of life for people with disabilities living in Virginia’s Northern Shenandoah Valley. If you are in need of access or mobility aids such as walkers, ramps, or hearing devices, they will be glad to help.

Click here to learn more about the City of Winchester's transportation program.

Wheels for Wellness provides free door to door transportation to medical appointments and treatment for those in the region lacking other means of transportation. They serve Winchester, Frederick, Clarke, Warren, and Shenandoah Counties. Clients must be able to be ambulatory with little to no assistance.  Wheels for wellness is unable to transport wheelchairs and cannot serve Medicaid recipients. Applications can be completed on the website.

Modivcare is available for people in need of medical transportation that have Medicaid.

CCAP Winchester is a program that assists community members with food, clothing, and financial resources. CCAP can also assist with firewood during winter months, prescription eye glasses, steel toed boots, bicycles, and self sufficiency programs. Visit their website for more details on pantry and clothing house hours.  

Blue Ridge Area Food Bank distributes food to various pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, and program sites so community members have access to nutritious food that suffer from food insecurity. To find a location near you to access please visit 

Family Promise of the Northern Shenandoah Valley addresses the root causes of family homelessness holistically, providing prevention services before families reach crisis, shelter and case management when they become homeless, and stabilization programs once they have secured housing to ensure they remain independent. Utilizing existing local resources to empower families towards economic stability. Families come to us in crisis; we help them rebuild their lives with new skills and ongoing support https://www.familypromisensv.org/

Faithworks Inc provides emergency financial assistance for basic needs. https://www.faithworksinc.org/

Blue Ridge Housing Network works to find safe, decent, and affordable housing through community cooperation and promote homeownership. Services provided include down payment and rental assistance, rental and pre-purchase counseling, and first time mortgages.

Centralized Intake access any housing service within the Continuum of Care, specifically Rapid Rehousing, Targeted Prevention, Emergency Shelter, and Permanent Supportive Housing, first call the Centralized Housing Intake line at(540) 271-1701. https://continuumofcare513.com/centralized-housing-intake/

EmPATH (Emergency Psychiatric Assessment, Treatment, and Healing Unit) is located at Winchester Medical Center next to the emergency room 1840 Amherst St. Winchester, Virginia 22601 Phone:(540)536-7284 They are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and no appointment is needed. 

For more information on other Valley Health Mental and Behavioral health services check out their website. https://www.valleyhealthlink.com/our-services/behavioral-health/

Northwestern Community Services Board offers an array of outpatient, case management, day support, residential, and emergency programs designed to enhance the quality of life for both children and adults.  They assist individuals affected by emotional/behavioral disorders, mental illness, substance use, and developmental disabilities. 

988 Lifeline is a Suicide and Crisis Lifeline that a person can use to call, text, or chat online when experiencing life's challenges. Whether you're facing mental health struggles, emotional distress, alcohol or drug use concerns, or just need someone to talk to, our caring counselors are there for you. Just dial 988.

Access Independence promotes independent living by providing services and resources that enhance the quality of life for people with disabilities living in Virginia’s Northern Shenandoah Valley. If you are in need of access or mobility aids such as walkers, ramps, or hearing devices, they will be glad to help.

FREE Foundation of Virginia helps adults achieve independence through mobility by providing mobility and rehabilitation equipment to low income uninsured or under-insured adults in Virginia. 

Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitation Services (DARS) supports efforts to secure independence, inclusion, and integration. Services provided include vocational rehabilitation, workforce assistance, community based living, and disability determination services.