NAMIHP and the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT) have the honor of recognizing the first Community Paramedic of the Year. In 2024, the two organizations partnered to introduce the NAEMT-NAMIHP Community Paramedic of the Year Award to the list of National EMS Awards of Excellence.
“This award underscores the collaboration between our two national organizations and enhances our shared commitment to advancing the work of Community Paramedics and Mobile Integrated Healthcare (MIH) professionals across the country,” said Rob Wronski, who served on the NAMIHP Board of Directors and helped secure the partnership.
The 2024 Community Paramedic of the Year
After evaluating a pool of exceptional community paramedics, the evaluation committee selected Jennifer Rhoads, PhD, CP-C, for the award. As a community paramedic in Elmore County, Idaho, and a health educator, Dr. Rhoads aims to provide compassionate, innovative care, while advocating for the field.
“Her innovative use of data to track program efficacy has led to significant improvements in her program, including a new online referral system based on patient feedback,” Wronski said. “Dr. Rhoads is also a passionate educator, placing learning and learner first in developing training programs and mentoring future community paramedics while advocating for the importance of community paramedicine in all EMS agencies. Her professionalism and ability to build strong partnerships have earned her the trust and respect of healthcare partners in her area and beyond.”
Through her advocacy efforts, Dr. Rhoads secured crucial funding to expand her MIH program, hire additional community paramedics and ensure its sustainability.
Keeping the Spotlight on MIH
Dr. Rhoads will receive the award at the upcoming EMS World Expo in Las Vegas. This award is one more way NAMIHP has been focused on highlighting members and elevating national awareness of MIH/CP. Earlier in 2024, the organization started the MIH Advocacy Scholarship Award, naming Captain Chris Hickman, out of Ocala Fire Rescue as the first recipient. He received national support and recognition, including a scholarship to attend the MIH Summit.
NAMIHP members have more opportunity to share the work they’re doing to a larger audience by becoming MIH Week Champions. Share your story with us to be featured during MIH Week in October.