The Department of Labor awarded the Arkansas Rural Health Partnership $1.5 million to train and mobilize nearly 100 new emergency medical responders.
In early October, the partnership received funds to launch the Advancing the Rural Emergency Response: Arkansas Delta Training Initiative. The project is designed to strategically increase the number of local individuals trained, certified and hired as emergency responders.
The Health Resource Services Administration Delta States Rural Development Network grant will be provided in the amount of $3.2 million over three years.
The program will offer individualized support for Arkansas Delta residents to successfully complete emergency medical technician and paramedic training programs in order to meet current and growing health workforce gaps in emergency medical services across the region.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
The South Arkansas Delta region is designated by HRSA as a health professional shortage area and medically underserved area.
In response to demonstrated need, the newly funded initiative will recruit, train and connect individuals from the Arkansas Delta region to jobs as licensed EMS providers (50 EMTs, 42 paramedics).
Program enrollment will begin in November, with the first student cohort (EMT) launching in January, according to a news release.
According to the Arkansas Division of Workforce Services, EMTs and paramedics are listed in all 10 workforce regions of the state as critical, in-demand jobs. Local ambulance service organizations in the region noted an immediate need for emergency responders and an eagerness to engage in health workforce training efforts.
“Our new workforce initiative will offer entry-level training opportunities and more advanced training to meet a range of student and workforce needs in the region,” said Mellie Bridewell, ARHP chief executive officer and president.
“New emergency medical service providers will support the changing needs of rural hospitals as they opt out of providing inpatient services (in order to survive) and ensure that residents maintain access to needed emergency services (including potentially longer wait and transit times). Newly trained EMS providers will also build capacity for behavioral health services within the region by completing Mental Health First Aid for Emergency Responders training, with behavioral health as another critical health workforce gap,” Bridewell said.
Project partners include the Arkansas Rural Health Partnership, Southeast Arkansas Economic Development District, Pafford Medical Services and Promed Ambulance ambulance services, South Arkansas Community College, University of Arkansas at Monticello campuses at McGehee and Crossett, Phillips Community College, Southeast Arkansas College, East Arkansas Community College and 14 ARHP-member hospitals: Jefferson Regional Medical Center, Helena Regional Medical Center, Magnolia Regional Medical Center, Medical Center of South Arkansas, Dallas County Medical Center, Delta Memorial Hospital, Forrest City Medical Center, Chicot Memorial Hospital, Baptist Health, Bradley County Medical Center, Sevier County Medical Center, Ouachita County Medical Center, Ashley County Medical Center and McGehee Hospital.