May 15, 2025 - Altoona, PA
Ahead of EMS Week (May 18-24), Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) Executive Deputy Secretary Kristen Rodack visited AMED Authority EMS station to launch a new statewide initiative to attract and recruit Pennsylvanians to the emergency medical services field. The Department will partner with all 13 Pennsylvania regional EMS councils to host career days offering opportunities to speak with local EMS responders and learn more about the role through on-site activities. To assist in the effort,Governor Josh Shapiro's 2025-2026 budget proposal adds $6 million more per year for the next three years to the Emergency Medical Services Operating Fund, which would be disbursed through the regional EMS councils to local stations for activities such as recruitment and retention programs. "Providing 24-hour access to emergency care is no easy feat because every call for help has unique circumstances and many EMS services are stretched thin," said Executive Deputy Secretary Kristen Rodack. "We need to work together to create a pipeline of Pennsylvanians who want to serve their communities as EMS professionals." Speakers Include:Gary Watters, Chief of AMEDKristen Rodack, Executive Deputy Secretary of HealthJordan Anthony, Southern Allegheny EMS Regional Council DirectorJames Musselman, AMED EMS Student