Press Release
May 13, 2025 (Weiser, ID) – Southwest District Health, in partnership with the Weiser Ambulance District, is proud to announce the launch of its new Community Paramedic Program. This vital and innovative initiative is designed to support individuals throughout Washington County who are experiencing behavioral health crises or need help navigating mental and emotional health resources. Services can be accessed for acute crisis, chronic mental illness, substance use disorder, or out of concern for a relative or friend’s mental state.
This is the first Community Paramedic Program in Idaho that focuses exclusively on behavioral health support. Ashley Lynn, a longtime Weiser resident and experienced paramedic stepped up to receive extra training focused on how to provide behavioral and mental health support. She will meet individuals in person at their homes, in the community, or elsewhere throughout the county.
Alan Foster, the Director of the Weiser Ambulance District, expressed confidence in and appreciation for Ashley Lynn saying, “she brings an unmatched level of experience, passion, and dedication to our community and to this project. She is committed to the health and welfare of those she serves and our community as a whole. I’m so impressed with the work she has put toward the successful implementation of this program.”
“Southwest District Health decided to support this pilot program in Washington County because we recognize that our rural communities lack available access to supports for people experiencing a behavioral health crisis,” said Wendy Young, Project Coordinator at Southwest District Health.
“There are a lot of people that struggle with behavioral health issues including depression, grief, suicidal thoughts, anxiety, substance use disorder and many other conditions that are underserved in Washington County,” said Lynn. “This program will help people where they are and work with them to get the resources they need.”
The Community Paramedic Program will provide individual support for community members and divert non-emergency situations away from law enforcement and hospitals. Additionally, Ashley Lynn will be offering training to the first responder community including law enforcement on crisis intervention and de-escalation. Funding for this program was made possible by the Partnership for Early Diversion grant from the Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and will allow everyone in Washington County to have access to it at no cost.
Community members are invited to learn more about the program by visiting the Weiser Ambulance District booth and speaking with Ashley Lynn at the Weiser Community Health Fair on Wednesday May 14th from 3:30 to 7:00 PM at Weiser City Park, 402 E Court St.
To access Ashley’s services as a Community Paramedic, please call the Weiser Ambulance District at 208-414-4257 or email wccomedic@gmail.com.
