Stephenville CARES
The Stephenville CARES program was started in 2022 to improve access to health and social services. The CARES team is made up of medical and non-medical providers that aim to reduce hospitalizations, improve mental health care, reduce food insecurity, and prevent injuries.
The Stephenville CARES Team connects clients to medical and social resources to improve their health and quality of life. The Community Resource Paramedics (CRPs) from the Stephenville Fire Department are experts in resource navigation and helping to manage medical conditions.
Mission Statement:
We work to improve community health and access to healthcare through compassionate care and collaboration with others.
Collaboration is Key
The Community Resource Paramedics utilize a "treat and refer" methodology that serves to address immediate healthcare or social concerns, then referring the client to other resources capable of providing long-term specialized care, if needed. Collaboration with local health resources helps us to achieve this.
What is the Cost of Services?
There is no cost for services provided by the CARES team. This is achieved by using grants and city funding.
What is a Stephenville CARES Partner?
A Stephenville CARES Partner is a local agency that shares the same goals. Some of these partner agencies include:
- Physicians
- Nursing Homes
- Home Health Agencies
- Mental Health Providers
How does the CARES Program Work?
The process begins with a referral to the program. The referral may come from a physician, neighbor, teacher, member of clergy, or from firefighters that recognize an immediate need for services. A Community Resource Paramedic will then contact the person referred to assess their needs. The CRP will ask questions to better understand their situation and provide support as needed.
What can the CARES Program Do?
The CARES program can provide a variety of services and aid in the navigation of healthcare. Some examples of these services include:
- Helping with sorting medications and understanding why that medication is taken
- Providing regular visits to obtain vital signs and ensure medication schedules are followed
- Coordinating with a primary care physician or helping find one
- Working with home health and hospice agencies to optimize care goals
- Providing visits after hospital discharge to review discharge instructions and prevent readmission
Other Services Provided
- Providing public education classes such as:
- Stop the Bleed
- Babysitting Safety
- Fall and Fire Prevention
- Disaster Preparedness
- Pediatric Injury Prevention and Water Safety
- Coordinating and supervising the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
- Home Safety Assessment
- Well Baby Visits
- Installing Smoke Detectors
- And Much More!
