The emergency medical service (EMS) sector has long labored under restrictive funding conditions, but it seems that there is some relief in store in 2022. In particular, rural EMS providers may be able to take advantage of new and existing programs slated for the coming year.
Among the most promising developments that will impact the industry is the passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the American Rescue Plan Act, the most recent legislation introduced. With these laws, first responders and healthcare agencies were bumped to the front of the list regarding funding.
Most of these funds are allocated to urban and rural communities via initiatives such as the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund of the American Rescue Plan, the Provider Relief Fund of the Health Resources and Services Administration, and the Emergency Rural Healthcare Grants of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Emergency medical service organizations are prioritized for immediate funding via these plans.
Grants for rural EMS agencies
In addition, emergency care providers in the rural sectors can expect most of the current grant programs to still be available throughout 2022. Many of these are administered by the Community Facilities Direct Loan and Grant Program, which finances public service initiatives such as EMS in rural communities.
There is also a relatively new program available called the Emergency Rural Healthcare Grant, which the American Rescue Plan administers. There is no fixed deadline for this program, and applicants will be accepted while funds are available.
Eligibility for this particular plan is subject to a few requirements. For starters, applicants must serve the rural healthcare sector. EMS agencies will have to apply to the first of two tracks, which finances initiatives such as primary healthcare, preparation for pandemics, and improving healthcare access to communities.
Grants for substance abuse and mental health services
In the substance abuse and mental health services sectors, organizations can take advantage of existing grant programs that will continue this year. Among these is the EMS Rural Training Grant administered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The program has already funded two sets of applicants in the previous year, with another application cycle scheduled for 2022.
The EMS Rural Training Grant is available to emergency medical service agencies servicing rural communities. Its primary goal is to provide funds for EMS recruitment and training initiatives in rural areas. The program finances projects with a one-year completion period for up to $200,000.
Among the activities required of applicants are:
- The training of EMS personnel to enable them to maintain EMS licenses and certifications
- Hold qualifying EMS courses for graduates
- Fund training for EMS licensing and certification
- Providing training for mental conditions and substance use
- Obtain EMS equipment.
Grants for highway safety programs
Finally, there is a relatively little-known program known as the Highway Safety Grant Program. Instituted under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the program is allotted a budget of $1.892 billion until the 2026 fiscal year.
The Highway Safety Grant Program is different from other funding initiatives in that it is a state pass-through plan. It requires state governments to apply for financing directly, after which a state-administering organization implements the grant. This organization will be tasked with disbursing funds and distributing grant solicitations to communities in the state.
How rural EMS agencies can ensure funding in 2022
As you can see, the funding for rural EMS organizations is there. The question is: how can your clients ensure that they can take full advantage of the opportunities available?
The first and most important step is to act now. Even now, there are already many funding programs open for applications. Advise your clients not to wait until later on in the year. Acting now will increase their chances of getting adequate funding for the upcoming fiscal year.
Your clients should also do their prep work this early on if they haven’t already. They should prepare themselves for grant openings as they occur by gaining familiarity with grant websites and finding out specific release dates. This will help ensure that they will be well-positioned to get funding as it becomes available.
Finally, your clients should consider filling out the registration forms required for obtaining funding. This will save them the trouble of having to do so later on as opportunities arise and enable them to act on their application sooner.
About Provident Insurance Programs
With roots dating back to 1902, Provident Insurance Programs is a program administrator that serves paid and volunteer firefighters in addition to emergency medical responders with numerous custom-tailored insurance programs. We’ve also extended our expertise and experience to offer benefit plans and coverages to participant groups as well as Transportation Benefits. We are committed to continuing to provide superior customer service, and would be happy to speak with you to provide further information. Give us a call today at (855) 201-8880 to speak with one of our representatives.