Southcoast Health’s EMS Support Grant Program awards funds to seven local municipal EMS organizations

DIGHTON, FREETOWN, LAKEVILLE, ROCHESTER, WAREHAM, Mass.; MIDDLETOWN and TIVERTON, R.I. – Earlier this week, representatives from seven municipal emergency medical services organizations gathered at St. Luke’s Hospital in New Bedford to be recognized as the first grant recipients from Southcoast Health’s EMS Support Grant Program.

The EMS Support Grant Program was first launched this May during National EMS Week with the goal of supporting organizations that provide direct patient care in the South Coast region.

“As a not-for-profit community health system, we are committed to reaching beyond our walls to support municipal organizations across the region. With this program we are honored to be able to assist in the essential work they do every day,” said David O. McCready, President and CEO of Southcoast Health. “At Southcoast Health we see first-hand the exceptional services these EMS professionals provide our patients. We look forward to continuing to work together with all of our colleagues in EMS to improve the health and wellness of our region overall.”

In its initial year, the program was fully funded through Southcoast Health and awarded approximately $100,000 in total, across seven municipal tax-exempt EMS organizations in southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

Grant recipients include:

• Dighton Fire Department
• Freetown Fire Department
• Lakeville Fire Department
• Middletown Fire Department
• Rochester Fire Department
• Tiverton Fire Department
• Town of Wareham EMS

“This generous grant was made possible through Southcoast Health’s ongoing commitment to supporting local EMS agencies in strengthening pre-hospital care. The funding will be used to purchase vital EMS training equipment, allowing us to enhance the skills and readiness of our emergency medical providers. The proximity of Southcoast’s hospitals has had a direct and positive impact on Freetown residents. As Southcoast’s healthcare system grows and advances, so too has the collaboration between our organizations. We extend our sincere thanks to the leadership at Southcoast Health for their continued support and partnership,” said Fire Chief Harrie Ashley from the Freetown Fire Department.

All the proposals underwent a comprehensive review and selection process, and the awarded funds will be used for training and medical equipment to support the organizations’ abilities to provide critical pre-hospital care for the communities they serve.

“With the funds generously donated by Southcoast Health will be able to purchase a modern ALS Training Mannequin to aid in keeping our EMS Professionals proficient in their skills,” said Fire Chief Christopher J. Maguy, EMD from the Dighton Fire Department.

“We are delighted to be able to offer this support and recognize that these critical teams, and many others across the region, sometimes require additional resources to enhance the advanced care they provide. We hope this opportunity makes a positive difference. We greatly appreciate the unwavering support of all our EMS partners in caring for the South Coast region,” said Renee Clark, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer at Southcoast Health.