WHAT THE NOMINATOR SAID: Cape Fear Valley Health’s Community Paramedic Program provides follow-up care and medication management assistance for elderly cardiac patients by expanding the role of the traditional Emergency Medical Services (EMS) provider. Launched in 2015, patients receive assistance through scheduling appointments, managing their medications, navigating multiple health systems, implementing home visits, connecting patients with community resources if needed and establishing an easy-to-understand plan for their ongoing care. The Community Paramedic program creates a positive difference in a patient’s life by providing them with the guidance and tools they need in order to understand and manage their chronic diseases at home, while stressing the importance of routine medical visits. These measures also work to relieve burdens on the health care system by ensuring patients receive the necessary support and treatment to avoid unnecessary hospitalizations and readmissions. The network that makes up this program fulfills its mission of providing exceptional healthcare to residents of the region and enhancing quality of life for high risk patients.