CRAWFORDSVILLE – Mayor Todd Barton announced that the Crawfordsville Mobile Integrated Health (MIH) program will now be its city department. MIH first launched in 2017 as the Mobile Integrated Health Community Paramedicine program through a grant funded by the Indiana Department of Health and a partnership with Franciscan Health Hospital of Crawfordsville as an extension of the Crawfordsville Fire Department.
MIH is a nationally-recognized and innovative approach to a patient-centered model of care. MIH features programs such as Project Swaddle and Project Bundle to support pregnant mothers and their newborn babies, the Chronic Disease program helps elderly residents age safely in place, and the Vaccination and Immunization program allows nurses to travel to local schools and businesses within the community to administer vaccinations and immunizations.
Mayor Barton believes in the work and success of the MIH team. By transitioning MIH into its city department, the status, recognition, and success will be further elevated and enhanced through improved branding and program identity, enhanced data collection, and eliminated barriers.
Samantha Swearingen, previously the Program Manager, has been named the Director of Mobile Integrated Health, and the city has hired and named Rebekah Mason as the Assistant Director. “I am excited to have the opportunity to help lead the Mobile Integrated Health team in further elevating our programs to serve our community better,” said Swearingen.
The newly created MIH department will report directly to Mayor Barton but will not lose ties with the Crawfordsville Fire Department. The two departments will still work closely, especially for services requiring medical control. Deputy Chief Paul Miller will assist in overseeing and directing medical services for MIH.
“This is another innovative step necessary to sustain the continuity of care and safety for our community,” says Deputy Chief Miller regarding the new structure of MIH. “This initiative is gaining positive attention from other communities trying to replicate the program. The more innovative we are, the more we can positively impact other communities too.”
About the City of Crawfordsville: Crawfordsville is home to more than 16,000 residents and is the county seat in Montgomery County, Indiana. About an hour west of Indianapolis, the growing city is known for its state and nationally-recognized Mobile Integrated Health program, extensive outdoor recreational opportunities at Shades State Park and Sugar Creek, and is home to the Ironman Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championships and Wabash College.
