Big increase proposed for EMS in Homeland Security grants

By JOHN HULTGREN
Kentucky EMS Connection

The Kentucky Ambulance Providers Association met with an aide to Rep. Hal Rodgers (R-5) March 15 in Washington, DC, to discuss Homeland Security grant funding for EMS. (Kentucky EMS Connection photo by John Hultgren)

LOUISVILLE — A federal House Bill submitted last week has the potential to increase the amount of Homeland Security grants to EMS by 150 percent.

The bill would require that no less than ten percent of basic formula grants and urban area grants must be provided to emergency medical services providers. Based on money requested in the budget for Homeland Security, this bill would provide at least $160 million for EMS nationwide if the bill passes.

EMS' share in Homeland Security grants for "first responders" has been viewed by many EMS providers as disappointing since Homeland Security grants were first introduced in the aftermath of September 11, 2001. Since that time, over $32.4 billion has been provided to first responders, but a study last spring by the General Accounting Office found that less than four percent of the grant money had been awarded to emergency medical services providers.

"We're hoping that the language will stay intact" through the appropriations process, said Tristin North of the American Ambulance Association by phone today. North is concerned that states and counties "don't want to see their hands tied on how they spend the money."

Last March representatives from the Kentucky Ambulance Providers Association, accompanied by a representative from the American Ambulance Association, visited with senators and representatives from Kentucky to discuss, among numerous issues, Homeland Security grant awards for EMS.

Harold "Hal" Rogers, who represents Kentucky's 5th District, is Chairman of the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Appropriation's Homeland Security Subcommittee.

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