When First Responders and Volunteers Team Up, Lives Change!
Strong partnerships can transform lives. Through a collaboration with St. Petersburg Fire Rescue and Pinellas County Government, the Health Buddies program is helping first responders connect isolated seniors with meaningful companionship and wellness support. Instead of repeated emergency calls fueled by loneliness and anxiety, seniors are receiving regular encouragement, conversation, and connection from trained volunteers helping improve emotional well-being, reduce unnecessary ER visits, and remind older adults they are not alone.
Shout-out to St. Petersburg Fire Rescue and Pinellas County Government for partnering with Seniors in Service to train first responders on the Health Buddies program! We’re honored to be part of your team’s resource toolkit!
This partnership is a game-changer for everyone involved. When paramedics respond to repeated 9-1-1 calls from seniors who are anxious, isolated, or simply in need of a friendly voice, they now have a new option: connection instead of crisis. By referring those seniors to our Health Buddies program, they’re helping to break the cycle of loneliness that too often leads to unnecessary emergency calls.
Leo is a perfect example. He used to call 9-1-1 regularly, not because of a medical emergency, but because he felt overwhelmed and alone. That changed when a paramedic introduced him to Health Buddies. Now, Leo gets regular calls from his volunteer buddy Andrew, who checks in 2 to 3 times a week to offer encouragement and talk through health challenges. Just 12 weeks later, Leo has made fewer ER visits and reports feeling healthier, more confident, and more connected.
Could You or Someone You Love Use Extra Support?
Health Buddies provides friendly check-ins, encouragement, and wellness support for older adults managing chronic conditions or isolation.
Here To Help
