Evansville’s New 911 Program Is Connecting Residents With the Right Care

Evansville Has a New 911 Program That Could Help You Get the Right Care Faster

Did you know there's a new program in Evansville that's helping connect people with the right medical care, even if they don't need an ambulance?

Since July 1, the Evansville Fire Department and Evansville-Vanderburgh Central Dispatch have teamed up to launch Crosswalk to Care, a new 911 Care Navigation program designed to help residents with non-emergency medical concerns find the care they need.

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Here's How It Works

If you call 911 because of a life-threatening emergency, nothing changes.

An ambulance will still be dispatched immediately for emergencies like chest pain, stroke symptoms, serious injuries, or any situation where every second counts.

But if your medical concern isn't considered an emergency, the dispatcher may connect you with a Care Navigator instead of automatically sending an ambulance.

The goal is to make sure people get the right type of care without tying up emergency resources that may be needed elsewhere.

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What Can a Care Navigator Help With?

Care Navigators can help residents figure out the best next step for their situation.

That may include:

• Connecting you with a primary care doctor or urgent care clinic.
• Answering questions about medications or follow-up care.
• Helping you find behavioral health resources.
• Offering guidance on managing your care safely at home.
• Assisting with transportation to medical appointments when needed.

It's all about helping people get the care they need in the most appropriate setting.

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It Doesn't Cost You Anything

One of the best parts about the program is that it's available to everyone, whether you're insured, underinsured, or uninsured.

There is no cost to residents or to the City of Evansville. The program is funded through participating healthcare insurance partners.

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Emergency Care Is Still a Priority

The Evansville Fire Department wants residents to know this new program is not replacing emergency response.

Firefighters, paramedics, EMTs, and dispatchers will still respond whenever someone is experiencing a true emergency.

Crosswalk to Care simply provides another option for situations where an ambulance may not be the best or most appropriate solution.

If you're ever experiencing a life-threatening emergency, you should always call 911 immediately.

The hope is that this new program will connect more people with the right care at the right time while helping keep ambulances available for those who need them most.

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