EMS Program & Local Ambulance Funded Into "The First Few Months" Of Next Year, Says Cross Road

 EMS EMERGENCY DELAYED

BUT NOT SOLVED 

Cross Road Medical Center Will Continue To Pay For Local EMS Service Out Of Pocket 

Says Cross Road CEO, "This Is Not Sustainable" 

Cross Road Medical Center has given the Country Journal more insight into the steps being taken to continue to provide EMS ambulance care in the Copper Valley. On Saturday, June 24th, 2023, Steve Gallagher, CEO of Cross Road gave the following information to the Journal. Cross Road has been coordinating ambulance service in the Copper Valley for several years. It was due to run out in several days, on July 1st, 2023. That deadline has been extended by at least six months, and probably more. 

Here's a look at the medical center's comments:

Level of Service 

"The operation is going to be the same as it has been for the past 4 years," Gallagher said. "My understanding is Delta Junction (Medical Transport) will continue at the same level of EMS in their areas as before." Delta Medical also serves its home community, Delta Junction. 

No Grant Funds Have Surfaced

Said Steve Gallagher, "Cross Road is paying out pocket. (There are) no grant funds for the EMS service."

Is This System Sustainable?

"This is not sustainable," said Steve Gallagher.

Where Will Additional Funding Come From?

"We hope that Rural Alaska Emergency Services can find funding through grants and other community groups. Cross Road Health Ministries is relying on Rural Emergency Services for future funding."

Current Extension Runs Out In Early 2024 

"Cross Road Health Ministries will reevaluate this winter, and prior to our fiscal year end of March 31st, 2024 we will provide an update on how we may be able to provide some portion of funding. We have funding through the end of the year and first couple of months into 2024."