FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR RURAL EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES

Applicants Sought to Create or Expand Rural EMS Systems

Portland, Ore. - The 1999 Oregon Legislature made a significant investment in rural emergency medical services when it passed Senate Bill 911 to create an ongoing source of funding for rural EMS needs.

The Office of Rural Health at Oregon Health Sciences University is now taking applications from organizations that directly respond to emergency medical needs of the general public in rural Oregon or are affiliated with a 911 system or other public service answering point. The funds can be used to purchase medical equipment, establish new rural EMS systems or improve existing systems.

"Medical technology is advancing to the point that so many more lives can be saved today if we can just get to patients in time," said Scott Ekblad of the Office of Rural Health. "The key is having services that can respond to emergencies in all areas of the state."

Grant awards will be made on a quarterly basis and applications are accepted at any time. For more information or to submit an application, contact Scott Ekblad at ekblads@ohsu.edu or (503) 494-4450.