FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WOWO): Parkview Health is starting a pilot program that aims to improve follow-up and preventative care.

Parkview Health Community Paramedicine will allow paramedics to expand on their usual roles and provide care to patients in their homes or nursing care facilities. The Journal-Gazette says it will be rolled out with a two year grant from the State Department of Health.

Six nursing home facilities in the area are participating, along with social services and other health care programs. Six paramedics will receive special training.

The hospital says the idea is to have patients rely on the hospital less and rely on themselves more. They are also saying the first program of its kind in northeast Indiana.