STEVENS COUNTY, Wash. – Ambulance providers in Stevens County are expressing concern over a severe funding shortfall that could lead to service disruptions. They warn that the ambulance system may be stable this year, but the future remains uncertain.
Amber Jones, the director of Deer Park Ambulance, highlighted the gravity of the situation, reporting that funding issues are so severe, entire communities could potentially be left without ambulance services.
Stevens County currently depends on four transport agencies. Two of these agencies have paramedics, while the other two offer only basic support. Many of these services are struggling financially due to a lack of tax support or levy funding.
“There’s EMS deserts all across the nation. And we’re trying not to be an EMS desert in a county that doesn’t have a huge population,” Jones said.
Jones added that relying on donations and insurance reimbursements is no longer sufficient. Without a new funding strategy, residents could face longer response times in emergencies.
