Fort Drum Regional Health Planning Organization (FDRHPO) and Mountain Lakes Regional Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Council, Inc. are excited to announce plans to merge their respective EMS Program Agencies: North Country EMS and Mountain Lakes EMS. This move ensures long-term support and sustainability for EMS within the eight-county region of Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Jefferson, Lewis, St. Lawrence, Warren and Washington, a footprint that encompasses much of the Adirondack Park and Fort Drum area.
“This exciting opportunity aligns perfectly with FDRHPOs mission of ensuring that any opportunities to strengthen the healthcare system in our region are identified and addressed,” explains Erika Flint, Executive Director of FDRHPO. “In order to accomplish this mission, FDRHPO has an established and proven track record of fully leveraging available resources, creating a culture of collaboration among stakeholders, and possessing a shared commitment to the health and well-being of the communities we serve. We are so pleased to welcome Mountain Lakes Regional EMS Program Agency to the FDRHPO team.”
Taking effect on July 1, 2022, this groundbreaking, collaborative effort will result in each region continuing to be served by their respective Regional EMS Councils (REMSCO) and Regional Emergency Medical Advisory Committees (REMAC). FDRHPO will support both regions’ REMSCOs and REMACs with their robust resources and shared services. Mountain Lakes Regional EMS Council, Inc. will continue to serve the Mountain Lakes Region as a New York State EMS Course Sponsor, Specialty Course Sponsor and American Heart Association Training Center.
“Through this consolidation of EMS Program Agency services, we are proud to adhere to our mission to provide exceptional support for our EMS professionals,” states Travis Howe, Executive Director of Mountain Lakes Regional EMS Council, Inc. “FDRHPO is a stable and resource-savvy entity that understands and appreciates the unique challenges of providing EMS in rural areas. We often ask our agencies to examine their sustainability and commit to planning. Our Board of Directors and REMSCO have successfully accomplished this and are excited for the stability and support FDRHPO will provide.”
“The significant challenges faced by our rural EMS system cannot be understated, and this collaboration demonstrates how shared services and consolidation can ensure sustainability and enhance services that we can provide to EMS agencies,” continues Ann Smith, FDRHPO North Country EMS Program Agency Director. “I am excited about the opportunity to work with everyone in the Mountain Lakes region and will continue to be a strong advocate for rural EMS across all eight counties.”
EMS Program Agencies across New York State are responsible for providing continuous quality improvement, policy and regulatory guidance, EMS training and credentialing, technical support, and more to each of the individual EMS agencies within their respective regions. North Country EMS Program Agency currently provides this support to more than 75 EMS agencies in Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence Counties. Mountain Lakes EMS Program Agency currently provides this support to more than 100 EMS agencies in a five-county region, including the counties of Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Warren and Washington. The newly merged EMS Program Agency will maintain its presence in both North Country and Mountain Lakes regions. The number of employees between the two agencies will remain unchanged when the merger is complete, and all will be employees of FDRHPO.
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