Healthcare Disparities Funding for Community Paramedicine

Background
The State of Maine Department of Public Safety, through the Maine Bureau of Emergency Medical Services (MEMS), is issuing a Request for Applications (RFA# 202412213) for the Healthcare Disparities Funding for Community Paramedicine.

This initiative aims to address health disparities exacerbated by COVID-19 and to enhance health equity by improving healthcare resources for underserved populations and those in rural areas. The funding is part of the Health Disparities Grant (HDG) Program, which seeks to support EMS agencies in expanding community paramedicine services.

Work Details
The grant will provide funding to EMS agencies for projects that aim to reduce health disparities and improve healthcare resources for underserved populations.

The focus is on enhancing capacity and services to prevent and control COVID-19 among high-risk groups, particularly in rural communities. Funded projects must include:
1. Initiation or expansion of community paramedicine services.
2. Capacity to provide COVID-19 testing.
3. Quarterly updates, project deliverables, and a brief project case study detailing lessons learned.

Eligible organizations include all Maine EMS agencies, with a maximum request of $125,000 per agency. Collaborative applications may request an additional $50,000 for regional projects that cover multiple zip codes.

Period of Performance
The application submission deadline is February 10, 2025, with funding expected to support projects initiated thereafter. Specific performance timelines will be determined during contract negotiations.

Place of Performance
The contract will be performed within the State of Maine, specifically targeting underserved populations and rural communities.