KCKFD and Vibrant Health Launch Innovative Program

Published on December 08, 2021

Kansas City Kansas Fire Department (KCKFD) and Vibrant Health have partnered to launch WYCO Care Connection (WCC). WYCO Care Connection is a community paramedicine program, which seeks to reduce the number of individuals using emergency medical services for non-emergent care. One of the main goals of this collaborative partnership is to bring high-quality clinical and support services to the homes of some of Wyandotte County’s most vulnerable residents.

Program Details

WYCO Care Connection is an 18-month pilot program, the first of its kind in the Wyandotte County area, which connects residents who frequently visit local emergency rooms with essential services to keep them safe and healthy and prevent unnecessary trips to the emergency room. The core services include point of care testing, medical and lab services, as well as in-depth patient assessment services.

This innovative community paramedicine model consists of a mobile team including a nurse practitioner and paramedic who visit the homes of individuals who frequently call 911 or visit local emergency rooms for non-emergency needs. By reducing the number of unnecessary ER visits, it reduces the strain on the health system while also improving outcomes from the patients being served.

"We know that only a fraction of an individual's health is determined by what happens inside of a clinic or doctor's office. The majority of outcomes are based on external factors like access to food or transportation,” said WCC Nurse Practitioner Erika Ortiz. “This program is helping us break down that barrier by meeting these patients where they are, advocating for their needs and connecting them with appropriate community-based services."

Since the mid-October launch of the WYCO Care Connections program over 30 patients have been seen. Many of the patients require extensive follow-up as well as case management work. This program works closely with local hospitals and community-based organizations to provide residents a seamless approach to care.  

"This program, while new to Wyandotte County, is part of a growing movement across the nation for community paramedicine,” expressed KCKFD Mark Heath. “We're recognizing just how important it is to meet patients in their homes when trying to understand their needs."

 About Vibrant Health

Vibrant Health is a nonprofit Federally Qualified Health Center operating multiple locations in Wyandotte County. Vibrant Health provides primary medical, dental, behavioral, and women's health care for children and adults. Serving more than 20,000 patients annually, Vibrant Health is recognized as an NCQA Patient-Centered Medical Home. Vibrant Health's mission is to provide access to respectful, empowering, culturally sensitive, and appropriate high-quality health care for the community, regardless of socio-economic obstacles. More information about Vibrant Health can be found online.

For more information or questions about the KCKFD and Vibrant Health WYCO Care Connection program, please visit.