Saint Joseph Health Launches Community Paramedicine Program

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Dec. 22, 2025) –Saint Joseph Health has announced the launch of a Community Paramedicine Program, the first hospital-based program of its kind in Lexington and one of only a few in Kentucky. This innovative program focuses on reducing hospital readmissions for patients with sepsis, pneumonia, COPD and heart failure – conditions most likely to result in rehospitalization.

Designed to provide social and medical support to patients post-discharge care by dispatching a licensed paramedic and social worker to visit the patient’s resident. The visit will include an environmental assessment, physical evaluation, medication reconciliation, and disease-specific education. The program also addresses social determinants of health, such as food insecurities, transportation issues and safe housing. By tackling these issues together, the program reduces preventable hospital returns and strengthens community well-being.

“This program is one more way that Saint Joseph Health lives our mission,” said Matt Grimshaw, MBA, President, Saint Joseph Health, a member of CommonSpirit. “As part of CommonSpirit Health, we are driven by our vision of a healthier future for all – inspired by faith, driven by innovation and powered by our humanity. This program provides a wraparound service to vulnerable patients who need a little extra help in the healing process.”

In January, Saint Joseph Health partnered with the Lexington Fire Department’s Community Paramedicine team, which focuses on assisting frequent 911 callers and people experiencing homelessness. Saint Joseph Health was approved by the state to operate the hospital-based community paramedicine program, which began on Oct. 1.

Unlike traditional home health care, Saint Joseph Health offers the program free to its patients and does not bill for services through insurance. 

“By emphasizing education, trust, and compassionate care, Saint Joseph’s Community Paramedicine Program is not only reducing readmissions, it’s redefining what it means to care for patients beyond the hospital walls,” said Grimshaw.

The program works with caregivers at Saint Joseph Hospital to determine need for the at-home visits after discharge. Since its launch, the program has already made measurable progress. For participating patients, readmissions have dropped – with 96% avoiding rehospitalization within seven days and 84% within 30 days.

About Saint Joseph Health

Saint Joseph Health, part of CommonSpirit Health, is one of the largest and most comprehensive health systems in the Commonwealth of Kentucky with 100 locations in 20 counties, including hospitals, physician groups, clinics, primary care centers, specialty institutes, home health agencies and an ambulatory Care Center. The hospitals in Saint Joseph Health are Flaget Memorial Hospital, Saint Joseph Berea, Saint Joseph East, Saint Joseph Hospital, Saint Joseph Jessamine, Saint Joseph London, Saint Joseph Mount Sterling, and Women’s Hospital at Saint Joseph East. In total, the health system serves patients in 35 counties statewide. Saint Joseph Health is dedicated to providing a wide array of services to build a healthier future for all. Saint Joseph Health embodies a strong mission and faith-based heritage and works through local partnerships to expand access to care in the communities it serves.