Columbus Fire & EMS is proud to announce the official launch of its Mobile Integrated Healthcare (MIH) unit, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at improving healthcare accessibility and emergency response for the community. This program, made possible through a Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) grant championed by Senator Jon Ossoff, was further supported by Mayor B.H. “Skip” Henderson III and the Columbus City Council, demonstrating a unified commitment to advancing public health services in Columbus.

The new MIH unit is a collaborative effort between Columbus Fire & EMS and MercyMed of Columbus, combining resources to provide enhanced medical care outside of traditional emergency settings. The unit is staffed with a FireMedic from Columbus Fire & EMS and a nurse practitioner from MercyMed, ensuring high-quality, proactive care for residents in need.

“This program is a game-changer for Columbus,” said Salvatore J. Scarpa, Fire-EMS Chief. “With the support of Senator Ossoff, Mayor Henderson, and the City Council, we’ve been able to launch an initiative that directly impacts the health and well-being of our community. By deploying trained medical professionals into the field, we can reduce unnecessary emergency room visits, improve patient outcomes, and provide a more efficient, community-focused approach to healthcare.”

The Mobile Integrated Healthcare program is part of a larger initiative within the Fire-EMS Department called Columbus Correct Care (CCC). The CCC initiative is the focus of the Mayor’s Commission on Health. CCC represents a collaborative effort to optimize medical COLUMBUS DEPARTMENT OF FIRE AND EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES

“We do amazing”

510 l0TH Street

Columbus, Georgia 31901

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B. H. “Skip” Henderson, III

Mayor/Director of Public Safety

Sal Scarpa

FIRE-EMS Chief

Salvatore J. Scarpa

FIRE-EMS Chief“Protecting Life, Property and the Environment”

An Equal Opportunity Employer resources by engaging community partners and leveraging their expertise. This initiative focuses on addressing broader healthcare needs, including mental health and social services, to create a more comprehensive approach to community wellness.

The MIH unit will focus on preventative care, chronic disease management, and addressing non-emergency medical needs, particularly for vulnerable populations who may face challenges accessing traditional healthcare services. This proactive approach not only enhances patient care but also helps reduce strain on local hospitals and emergency services.

Columbus Fire & EMS plans to expand the program with additional units in the coming years, pending further funding opportunities.

“We are incredibly excited to see this unit hit the streets for the first time,” added Chief Scarpa. “This is just the beginning of what we hope will be a long-term investment in innovative, community-driven healthcare solutions.”