Council to discuss community paramedic program, Ninth/Pine intersection improvements

WALLA WALLA – The Walla Walla City Council will hold a workshop today (Monday) at 4 p.m. The workshop will begin with a presentation about the community paramedic program which will include a status updated of their work, followed by a briefing on options and the preferred alternative for the intersection at Ninth Avenue and Pine Street.

Created in May 2021, the Walla Walla Fire Department Community Paramedic Program was initially funded through a partnership with Providence Population Health.  The program was started to reduce avoidable ambulance runs and divert unnecessary visits to the Emergency Department at Providence St. Mary Medical Center.

Funded now by cooperation with the city of Walla Walla, Walla Walla County, and Greater Health Now, the program has expanded from one community paramedics to two community paramedics and has added one community EMT. Currently funding is being sought, including grants, to expand the program with a mental health care professional.

Also on the agenda, city staff will recommend to council a compact roundabout at the intersection of Ninth Avenue and Pine Street. The city is coordinating with the Washington State Department of Transportation to determine the best options for safety and mobility at the intersection. The intersection configuration will require WSDOT approval for final design.

Construction is planned to be completed in 2025.

Photo of Ninth Avenue/Pine Street intersection via city of Walla Walla

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Elkhorn Media Group

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