Columbus Fire and EMS has launched a community‑paramedic initiative called Columbus Correct Care that visits residents who call 911 repeatedly, aiming to reduce unnecessary emergency responses and connect callers with health and social services – a development that directly impacts public safety and quality of life for Columbus families.
According to WTVM, the program began in February 2025 and, as of Oct. 31, paramedics have visited 358 addresses, completing 1,103 visits. Referrals for patient care and resources rose from 43 in 2025 to 127 in 2026, and the department reported a 64% decrease in calls from participants who agreed to join the eight‑ to 16‑week program. The agency estimates an operational savings of $894 for each reduction in 911 use.
During a typical visit, paramedics check vitals and assess immediate needs. Tim Lewis, a repeat caller, said the in‑home checks helped him avoid guessing about blood pressure and blood‑sugar levels and prompted timely doctor visits. Participation is voluntary and, as community paramedic Jonathan Laughlin emphasized, no services are billed.
Correct Care partners with local agencies such as United Way’s 211 line, St. Anne‑Pacelli Catholic Church and Mercy Med. Elizabeth Short of McCartha Drive Church of Christ described how the program helped a church member secure shelter, medical appointments, a birth certificate and assisted‑living placement after a long wait for emergency housing. United Way resource manager Kathy McClendon recounted a case where a woman facing home condemnation received emergency assistance and placement in a personal‑care home through the program.
The initiative now operates multiple teams. Care 1, launched Feb. 2025, pairs a paramedic with a social worker or case manager. Care 2, started Feb. 2026, adds a Columbus police officer and a licensed counselor from Valley Healthcare; the team answered 239 calls with none requiring jail time. Care 3 is slated for launch in January or February 2027 and will focus on low‑acuity 911 calls, relying heavily on telemedicine.
Federal funding secured by Sen. Jon Ossoff helped start Correct Care, and the city has committed to continue financing it through the community‑care fund. The program earned a 2025 Achievement Award from the National Association of Counties and the 2026 Chattees Community Impact Award for collaborative public‑health efforts.
What’s next: Columbus Correct Care plans to roll out Care 3 in early 2027, expanding telemedicine‑based responses to low‑acuity emergencies. Residents seeking non‑emergency assistance are encouraged to call United Way’s 211 line, and anyone interested in the program can contact Columbus Fire and EMS for more information.
Sources: wtvm.com
