Source: US State of Pennsylvania
May 14, 2025 – Altoona, PA
ADVISORY – UPDATED – BLAIR COUNTY – Shapiro Administration to Kick-Off Statewide EMS Workforce Recruitment Initiative
Department of Health (DOH) Executive Deputy Secretary Kristen Rodack will join first responders in Altoona to kick-off a new statewide initiative to recruit residents interested in becoming EMS professionals.
As part of National Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week, May 18-24, Pennsylvania Regional EMS councils and agencies will be hosting career events across the state where Pennsylvanians can meet EMS professionals and learn about local career opportunities and trainings.
The first two events will be held in Blair and Mercer counties on Sunday, May 18.
Governor Josh Shapiro’s proposed 2025-26 budget adds $6 million more a year for the next three years to the Emergency Medical Services Operating Fund, which would be disbursed through the 13 regional EMS councils to local stations. In 2023, he secured $20.7 million to increase Medicaid reimbursement for service and mileage rates for ambulance services, promoting access to health care and ensuring that EMS agencies are properly reimbursed for their critical care.
Recruiting and retaining EMS first responders is vital to Pennsylvania’s health care system as they provide 24-hour emergency medical services, seven days a week. In 2024 alone, over 1,200 emergency agencies responded to more than 2 million calls for service.
WHO:
Pennsylvania Executive Deputy Secretary of Health, Kristen Rodack
Chief of AMED, Gary Watters
Southern Allegheny Emergency Medical Services Regional Council Director, Jordan Anthony
EMS student
WHEN:
Wednesday, May 14 at 1:30 PM
WHERE:
AMED Authority EMS Station
1st Floor, Training Room
106 Reimer Street
Altoona, PA 16602
MEDIA RSVP: Media interested in attending must RSVP with the name of the reporter and photojournalist to ra-dhpressoffice@pa.gov.