(The following is a press release from VMSC Emergency Medical Services.)
The Volunteer Medical Service Corps of Lansdale (VMSC EMS) proudly announces the successful completion of its first-year journey for municipal funding in the North Penn area. The milestone is marked by the commitment of financial support from area municipalities, demonstrating a shared dedication to sustaining essential emergency ambulance services in the region.
Throughout 2023, VMSC EMS collaborated with municipal leaders to identify funding gaps and develop strategies to address these challenges in delivering emergency services to boroughs and townships. CEO Shane Wheeler emphasized the importance of this ongoing journey, stating, "It's a journey to sustainability," acknowledging that finding a comprehensive solution requires time and commitment from both municipalities and VMSC.
To combat the shortfalls in providing emergency ambulance services, VMSC diversified its lines of service with hospital and federal contracts for ambulance transportation. However, Wheeler highlighted the inherent challenges and highly competitive nature in these contracts, citing their lack of perpetual sustainability.
Municipalities in the North Penn area took a significant step forward by partially funding VMSC's $1,000,000 request, contributing a cumulative amount of $450,000. The commitment includes an agreement to continue to work together to increase funding in the upcoming years’ budgets. Key contributors include Montgomery Township, Hatfield Township, Upper Gwynedd Township, and Towamencin Township, allocating $100,000 each. Lansdale Borough contributed $25,000, Hatfield Borough allocated $15,000, and North Wales contributed $10,000. Towamencin Township demonstrated its commitment by passing a 0.0116 millage to fund its contribution.
Wheeler expressed his encouragement for the efforts of the North Penn communities and the willingness to explore further opportunities to address funding shortfalls in emergency ambulance services. He highlighted the challenging landscape faced by EMS services across the commonwealth, citing issues such as uninsured and underfunded insurance reimbursement, increased regulations impacting payment, and other inflationary impacts leading to ambulance closures.
Looking ahead, VMSC is initiating discussions with Indian Valley communities of Souderton Borough and Telford Borough for funding in 2025. The organization also recently signed a multi-year $250,000 service agreement with Franconia Township.
VMSC EMS currently operates seven 911 ambulances in Montgomery County and operates another seven providing services to Tobyhanna Army Depot, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, and Jefferson Health in Philadelphia.
As VMSC continues to make strides in securing sustainable funding, the organization remains committed to its mission of delivering high-quality emergency medical services to the North Penn and Indian Valley community and beyond.
