Patient Assist Assessment Program (2003 LGAA)

City of New Rochelle (Winner)
County: Westchester County
Population: 50,000 +
City Hall: (914) 654-2000

The City of New Rochelle's Fire Department, combined with the assistance of the Office for the Aging and the Police Department, developed the Patient Assist Assessment Program to provide a referral system for calls needing follow-up services. The majority of calls for help required no additional assistance after the Fire Department's response.

However, at times the Fire Department would be requested to respond to the same address for the same patient with the same problem many times. Over time the need to address these types of calls was identified and brought about the implementation of this program. The savings of this intervention program such as a reduction of injuries or illness due to improved care and medical attention, or a reduction in calls for emergency personnel are incalculable. This program is the first of its kind in New York State, perhaps the nation, and requires minimal effort and cost.