Snow Shoe EMS among recipients of Pa. grant, but struggles with loans and staffing persist
Two months after Snow Shoe EMS issued a call for help to free up funds and expand coverage during daylight hours, the service was awarded state funding to assist in its efforts. While it’s the most money Snow Shoe EMS has ever received from the state, the chief said it’s still just a start.
On Wednesday, state Rep. Stephanie Borowicz, R-McElhattan, announced that 24 volunteer fire and ambulance companies throughout Centre and Clinton counties qualified to receive $275,204 from a Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency and Office of the State Fire Commissioner grant. Snow Shoe EMS was awarded $9,192 in funding.
Borowicz did not respond to requests for comment.
“We need to do all we can to support our emergency responders and I’m grateful this grant program exists to defray some of the costs they incur while providing lifesaving services to our communities,” she stated in a news release.
With no staff to work during the day, Snow Shoe EMS asked for community donations to help pay off a $25,000 building loan and $82,000 ambulance loan. Any extra financial assistance would allow the company to enhance staffing and continue serving the Snow Shoe, Moshannon, Clarence and Pine Glen areas, said Chief Sharon Nilson.
The state grant will be put toward paying off the ambulance loan.
“This is the most money we’ve ever received from the state,” Nilson said. “Normally, we only get around $7,000, but this will help knock that ambulance payment down.”
Still looking to free up more funds to help establish and be able to pay daytime staff members, Nilson said Snow Shoe Borough and Snow Shoe Township have started collecting an EMS tax. Funds collected from that tax will be used for payroll once daytime EMTs are hired.
In addition to the state funding, the EMS service has received $2,000 in community donations, Nilson said.
“We’re hanging in there, but we’re still trying to look for people to hire and for more community donations,” she said.
Nilson said community members can purchase an ambulance subscription and participate in Snow Shoe EMS fundraising events. The next subscription drive will take place in June.
To request a subscription or for more information on how to make a donation, contact ssemsco29@gmail.com.
Other area fire and ambulance companies to receive state grants include the Howard Volunteer Fire Company, Miles Township Fire Company, Mountaintop Fire Company and Mountaintop Fire Company EMS. Snow Shoe Fire Company also received a grant.
