U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Https

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock () or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

USDA awards $50,000 Grant to Interior Region Emergency Medical Services, Inc.

Name
Larry Yerich
City
Anchorage
Release Date

U.S. Department of Agriculture-Rural Development (USDA-RD) Alaska State Director Jim Nordlund today announced a USDA-RD Community Facility Grant has been awarded to Interior Region Emergency Medical Services, Inc. in support of Alaska’s “Code Blue” project.

"These USDA-RD funds will be used to purchase and replace an ambulance for the Tok region. They currently have three ambulances to cover an area of 25,000 square miles, which is nearly the size of West Virginia.  No hospitals exist in this region, with the closest more than 200 miles away.  Due to the distances area medical professionals serve, their ambulances accumulate high mileage quickly.  The new ambulance will assist by replacing their 1994 model with a newer and more fuel efficient vehicle that will increase the effectiveness of emergency medical services needed," said Nordlund.

“We have had a long and successful partnership with Interior Region Emergency Medical Services, Inc. implementing our “Code Blue” project.  Our grant is leveraging $175,000 in State and local matching funds so I really want to congratulate Interior Region EMS for their local fundraising,” stated Greg Stuckey, the Director of Community Facilities.   “I am very proud of the accomplishments of our partners in the Code Blue project,” Stuckey added.

Since 2009, USDA-Rural Development has invested over $1.5 billion in more than 200 rural Alaskan communities.  These investments in housing, community facilities, business, energy, telecom, electric, water and sewer have helped to grow rural Alaska’s economy and enhance the quality of life for its residents.