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Freedom House 2.0: Increasing EMS Diversity
by Recruiting from Your Community
Webinar recorded on June 24, 2021
Webinar Description
The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center's Freedom House 2.0 program now boasts two cohorts of EMT graduates who have also been trained in community health and the impacts of the Social Determinants of Health. This unique program honors the founders of our nation's first EMS providers in 1967 - Black men and women from inner city Pittsburgh.
What can current EMS educators, leaders, providers, and Community Paramedics learn from UPMC's experience? Join the program directors and a recent graduate to explore the successes and challenges they've faced. Leave the webinar with ideas and inspiration for increasing diversity in your own system.
Meet Your Presenters
Hilary Gates, MAEd, NRP | Director of Educational Strategy, Prodigy EMS | Consultant, 410 Medical, Inc.
Hilary Gates, MAEd, NRP, is the director of educational strategy for Prodigy EMS and is a consultant for 410 Medical, Inc. She is a volunteer paramedic in the Alexandria (VA) Fire Department and teaches in the School of Education at American University in Washington, D.C., and in the EMS program at the University of Pittsburgh. Beginning her career as a volunteer EMT with the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad in Montgomery County, Md., Gates became a full-time paramedic, EMT instructor and FTO at AFD, and then served as senior editorial and program director for EMS World. Gates implemented AFD’s MIH/CP program in 2017 and has extensive experience as an EMS educator, symposium presenter, and quality improvement trainer.
Dr. Emily Lovallo | Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine | University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
Dr. Lovallo is an Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. She is the founder and co-chair of the department’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee and Medical Director of Freedom House 2.0. Dr. Lovallo achieved her MD from Georgetown University School of Medicine in 2010.
Dr. Dan Swayze | VP for Community Services, UPMC Health Plan | Dir. of Ops, UPMC Innovative Homecare Solutions
Dr. Swayze is the Vice President for Community Services for the UPMC Heath Plan and the Director of Operations for UPMC Innovative Homecare Solutions. He has been involved in EMS and public safety for more than 35 years. He is also nationally known as a pioneer in the emerging roles of community paramedicine and mobile integrated healthcare.
Kenneth Hickey | Program Manager for Community Services | UPMC Health Plan
Kenneth Hickey is the program manager for community services at UPMC Health Plan. In this role, Kenneth develops relationships with community-based organizations that support addressing the social determinants of health. Additionally, he oversees Freedom House 2.0, a workforce development program sponsored by UPMC Health Plan. Kenneth holds a Bachelor’s of Science and is pursuing his MPH.
Elijah Sillers, Jr. | Freedom House 2.0 Graduate
Elijah is a Pittsburgh native graduating from Taylor Allderdice High School. At a young age, Elijah knew that life safety was a priority and he trained to be a lifeguard. His interest in continuing his education led him to Freedom House 2.0 where he graduated in the first cohort of Freedom House 2.0. Elijah now looks forward to entering the public safety domain as a Firefighter/EMT.