PORT ALLEGANY – Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint) is inviting area EMS providers, local and county officials, and others to a meeting updating efforts to support the region’s ambulance services.
The meeting will be held Thursday, March 9, at 6 p.m. at the Port Allegany Fire Department, 65 W. Maple St.
“The challenges facing our ambulance companies continue to grow,” Causer said. “Without ready access to emergency medical services, many lives will be put at risk. For the sake of all of us and our neighbors, we have to work together to support our EMS providers and help address the problems they face.”
Causer first convened a public meeting on EMS issues more than a year ago, where the three main areas of concern were identified as funding, training and a lack of volunteers.
At the March 9 meeting, Causer will provide an update on legislation recently passed or being considered in Harrisburg, including a new law that allows EMS companies to be paid directly by an insurer and legislation Causer has introduced this session to increase the Medicaid reimbursement for EMS services and boost support to the state’s Emergency Medical Services Operating Fund.
Also on the agenda, McKean County Commissioner Carol Duffy will give an update on efforts to provide EMS/fire service training for high school students at the vocational technical school in Port Allegany, and a general discussion of the important role local and county officials, and their communities, play in assisting EMS agencies.
Anyone with questions is encouraged to contact Causer’s offices in Bradford (814-362-4400), Coudersport (814-279-9769) or Kane (814-837-0880).
