Today we’d like to introduce you to Nikki Hardwick.
Hi Nikki, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I am Clinical Operations Manager and an MIH medic for Wilson County ESD #3. Wilson County ESD #3 is the EMS provider for the eastern part of Wilson County.
We started our MIH program in 2024. MIH stand for Mobile Integrated Healthcare. We bridge the gap between patients and the hospitals/doctors. Some of the services that we provide are hospice and long-term healthcare resources, hospital discharge follow up, fall prevention assessments and corrections in the home, chronic disease management and education, food insecurity needs, and referrals to appropriate healthcare needs by working with the patient to navigate some of their insurance issues. We partner with local food pantries, PCPs, sliding scale primary care clinics, local veteran support groups, behavioral health organizations, CPS/APS and many more to help our patients in whatever need they may have.
We accept referrals through local community members and organizations but the majority of our patients in need are identified by our EMS crews. When they go out on an active emergency scene they are encouraged to talk to our patients and see if they have an unmet need that could enhance their health and well-being. If the patient agrees, the crews make a referral to the MIH program which then allows me or another MIH medic to reach out to the patient and family to establish a good meeting date. Since MIH is not on an “emergent” schedule we have the ability to go in, sit down and really talk to the patient and family to see what we may be able to help with. **There is no judgment on the patient or family placed.** Many people are out there doing the best they can and still need help. Often times they are not comfortable asking for it. We come in, meet the patient wherever they are at in life, and try to create a safe space/relationship with the patient to be able to help them.
In 2025 alone we had over 175 patient visits with over 80 MIH patients. In the same year we have been able to connect veterans with VA services, been able to provide mobility aid equipment for those who may not be able to afford it otherwise, assisted in patients getting home food delivery, ramps built, and provided patients with resources for behavioral health services locally.
A large base of our patients are lower income. MIH is a free service to the patients. There is no charge for us. We work with many programs that are low cost or free to the patient as well.
For a fairly new program we are growing year over year. Our hope is to continue to grow and bring on more MIH medics and to hopefully be able to expand our resource network to ensure that patients don’t fall through the cracks when it comes to healthcare needs.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not been the smoothest road to navigate. We learn something new every day. No two patients are the same, so their needs are not the same.
We have been blessed by our community though. When there is a large project or monetary needs, we have had the backing of our community to help out.
One of the biggest helps is the fans, heaters and blankets that a lot of our community organizations will “drive” for and donate to us. The community has also helped to recycle items that most would only want to sell for profit. Shower chairs, walkers, canes, wheelchairs, adult diapers, and personal hygiene wipes, (Just as an example) Once word gets out that there is a local need for these, our community jumped right in with us to help bridge that need!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a Paramedic by trade. I have been in EMS almost 18 years now. I am no longer on the truck daily but have now found my passion in MIH. I get to follow my patients instead of just meeting them in an emergency. I get to go through their trials and their successes with the patient and family. It is rewarding for me to see somebody’s life bettered even if it is something others would consider small. A ramp for the patient who hasn’t been able to leave the house in a while, or cheering on a patient as they navigate sobriety. I love what I do and wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
Thanks has to be given to Wilson County ESD #3 and our commissioners for allowing me the opportunity to jump in feet first with MIH and grow it into what it is. Thanks needs to be given to our community for the backing of our program.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://wcesd3.net/mih-services
