Valparaiso-based Northwest Health announced a partnership with inHealth Integrated Care to ensure emergency services in Porter County.
Northwest Health holds the county contract for EMS services, responding to 911 calls from four stations within Porter County. Northwest Health and Valparaiso-based inHealth have agreed to partner for stronger utilization of limited resources.
At the end of November, inHealth will assume coverage of one of the county EMS stations. They will work alongside the Northwest Health team. The change will provide more crews for emergency needs in the county and help with staffing challenges.
“Like most industries, EMS is struggling with increased demand and limited staffing. Our teams have worked tirelessly and shown dedication by picking up additional shifts to meet the need,” said Dr. James Leonard, Northwest Health – Porter CEO, in a press release. “However, this partnership with inHealth allows us to combine forces and ultimately, offer additional resources for excellent prehospital response.”
EMS professionals, such as paramedics and emergency medical technicians, are in shortage statewide. A 2022 Indiana Department of Homeland Security study indicated the number of 911 and EMS calls are rising faster than the number of emergency medical professionals. The trend could continue through 2030.
“Across the country, it is difficult to manage and staff ambulance services,” Jim Biggs, Porter County commissioner, said. “I applaud Northwest Health and inHealth on coming together for this smart partnership.
The partnership adds inHealth team members to support Northwest Health EMS and the 911 service for the county. With inHealth’s support, the Northwest Health EMTs and paramedics will be deployed to the other stations serving Porter County.
“We are excited for the opportunity to care for Porter County through this partnership with Northwest Health – Porter EMS,” Ron Donahue, inHealth CEO, said.
Northwest Health is a regional health care system. The health care network includes three hospitals, urgent care centers, outpatient surgery centers, an ambulance service and physician offices. Northwest Health – Porter is owned in part by physicians.
