WATAUGA COUNTY, N.C. — Watauga County will use a nearly $500,000 state grant to launch a Mobile Integrated Health program aimed at reducing repeat 911 calls and connecting high-need residents with care before emergencies happen.
The county recently received $495,982.52 for the program, allowing paramedics to work proactively with residents who frequently rely on EMS and other healthcare services, the Watauga Democrat reported.
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The program is designed to identify patients with ongoing medical or social needs, provide follow-up care and help connect them with resources that may prevent future emergency calls.
“It will allow the community to develop a sense of trust with the EMS provider, enabling them to receive care in their home,” Watauga County Emergency Services Emergency Planner Pukansky said. “This will introduce the patient to a more appropriate primary care network and other resources to help improve their overall health. Finally, this program should help to prevent hospital readmissions where possible through preventative care and patient education.”
The grant will pay for two full-time positions, a dedicated Mobile Integrated Health vehicle, medical equipment, technology needs and other program supplies.
Initial funding will cover the program’s first 14 months. County officials said they will look to sustain the program through additional funding sources and existing EMS billing.
Pukansky said the county-run EMS system has been operating well since Watauga County took over the service from a private provider in December 2025.
The next major change will be the addition of another 24-hour ambulance, which will primarily serve the eastern part of the county and operate out of the new Watauga County Emergency Services center.
