Durbin Discusses Mobile Health Program In Rockford

Durbin Discusses Mobile Health Program In Rockford

ROCKFORD - U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today joined Mayor Tom McNamara and Rockford Fire Department officials from the Mobile Integrated Health (MIH) Program for a roundtable discussion about the critical assistance the program provides to community members.

"Preventing health emergencies makes our communities safer and healthier," said Durbin. "With implementing the Mobile Integrated Health Program, Rockford is driving the future of health care by avoiding costly hospitalizations and treating people at home with trusted partners in the community."

"It's always an honor to have Senator Durbin in our community. Today, he met with leaders of our Mobile Integrated Health Program - a program I'm incredibly proud of. With four MIH managers working alongside UW Health clinical staff in a team-based model, the program is making a real difference in the field, providing thousands of community-based encounters each year and continuing to grow as more residents access care and support right where they are," said Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara.

The Mobile Integrated Health Program is operated by the Rockford Fire Department and provides mental health and chronic disease management services to prevent emergencies and reduce costs. Patients are referred by nearby hospitals, health clinics, food pantries, or 911 calls, with more than 3,500 annual patient encounters. From diabetes to overdose or suicide risk, the program relies upon the fire department's access and community reputation to help prevent urgent health crises.

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