The Cabarrus County Board of Commissioners (BOC) held a significant meeting on April 7, 2025, focusing on child safety and health initiatives. The meeting began with a discussion led by Vice Chair Paula, who emphasized the importance of addressing child fatalities. She highlighted the delays caused by the lack of medical examiner reports, which are essential for investigating suspicious child deaths. Paula proposed a bill aimed at fast-tracking these cases, urging support from fellow commissioners.

Following this, Deputy Chief Cara Clark presented information about the community paramedic program, which aims to combat rising maternal and child mortality rates. Clark noted that in 2023, three children in Cabarrus County died from unsafe sleep conditions, a statistic that underscores the urgency of their efforts. The program, initiated in October, focuses on providing support to mothers shortly after childbirth, particularly during the critical days following hospital discharge.

Clark explained that community paramedics reach out to mothers who consent to referrals from Atrium Cabarrus Hospital. They conduct home visits to monitor vital signs and provide essential health checks, such as blood pressure and infant weight assessments. This proactive approach aims to reduce hospital readmissions and prevent potential health crises.

Two success stories were shared, illustrating the program's impact. In one case, a community paramedic identified unsafe sleeping conditions for a newborn and facilitated the delivery of a safe sleeping arrangement. In another instance, the paramedic educated a family on safe sleep practices, which included removing blankets from a crib.

The meeting concluded with a call for continued support and collaboration among community partners to enhance the effectiveness of the program. The BOC expressed gratitude for the efforts of the community paramedics and emphasized the importance of their work in preventing child fatalities and improving overall family health in Cabarrus County.