Item 4 - Report on Mobile Healthcare Services Option

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dispatch system is integrated with a non-emergency call-taking and dispatch system known as the MediHelp center. The MediHelp center features the 24 hour services of a triage (call- sorting) nurse that can give advice and help decide the level of care needed. The key to widespread development and initiation of MHS systems is proof that the results show better access, better care, and lower overall costs. Such proof requires a careful two- year study, known as an “alpha site,” followed by one or more additional one-year studies known as “beta sites.” The alpha site demonstrates feasibility while the beta sites show that the concept can be successfully replicated. National health care reform initiatives are based on efforts to achieve these results and create an ideal environment for the MHS project. Central Lane County is proposed as the alpha site for the project with Lane Council of Governments coordinating the local effort. Central Lane County ATS providers have previously served in successful alpha and beta site studies for other national demonstration projects. Agreement in concept has been reached with several Lane County health care organizations to support the project by contracting for services. The City of Springfield sponsored a six-month MHS design and development proposal period with the goal of providing a multi-phase implementation proposal and attracting sponsorship of a national organization with the capacity to carry out the proposal. The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) has accepted this task. The biggest challenge remaining is to secure funding from the federal government for the alpha and beta site studies. The proposal has been drafted and shared with staff members of all Oregon congressional offices, who have shown universal support for pursuing funding. Professional consultants for the Lane County United Front, a coalition of local government agencies seeking federal support, have also encouraged pursuing funding efforts. The IAFC will continue advocacy in Washington, D.C. on a limited basis, through an organization known as the Congressional Fire services Caucus. The estimated timeline for funding is 18-24 months. The nature and complexity of sustaining Phase 1 of the project (preliminary design and development planning) pending funding, suggests that “bridge” grant funding be pursued. With concurrence from one or more local governments, Lane Council of Governments has indicated a willingness to pursue future grant funding efforts. ª