Rescue squad facing tough times
From left to right, Paramedic Ben Cregger, Captain Ricky Bowers, Paramedic Scott Sexton, EMT Michelle Mullins, EMT Chris Holbrook, and EMT Matthew Jackson.
For more than 50 years, the Bland County Rescue Squad has served as a beacon of hope and refuge for county residents in times of emergency. Now, its leaders fear that without additional state support, the organization could be at risk to dissolve, therefore leaving the county to assume emergency operations. While the formal takeover process is lengthy, neighboring counties would have to provide necessary mutual aid for the duration.
Captain Ricky Bowers says the challenges facing the rescue squad are part of a much larger crisis affecting rural emergency services and healthcare providers across the region.
"There are seven or eight hospitals in surrounding counties that are on the verge of closing because of a lack of funding," Bowers said. "It's not just the Bland County Rescue Squad that needs help. We know surrounding counties are struggling too, along with organizations like ours across the nation."
Bowers wants Bland County residents to understand the financial hardships the rescue squad faces and the challenges involved in maintaining emergency medical services in a rural community.
We appreciate our county’s contributions and standing behind us, as we wouldn’t have been able to sustain thus far the county has stepped in and continues to provide the resources to financially maintain on a month-to-month basis as we are not fully funded through the county’s annual budget. A large portion of our own funding comes from the interfacility transports that our EMS crews do on a daily basis, but it is simply not enough.
The organization's financial situation has become increasingly difficult due to numerous factors like low reimbursement rates from Medicare, Medicaid and other insurances, and then there is inflation which seems like it keeps getting worse.
"We're not making ends meet," Bowers said. "Last year, we brought in around $1.2 million but spent more than $1.5 million."
Bowers believes rural EMS agencies must work together to gain the attention of state leaders and secure the funding necessary to continue providing essential services.
To help offset costs, the Bland County Rescue Squad regularly hosts fundraising events, including bingo tournaments, poker runs, community meals, and other activities. Future community events are also under consideration.
"We're also one of the few agencies that provides interfacility transfers and medical transportation to doctor's appointments," Bowers noted. "We understand that the people of Bland County need more medical assistance than just emergency 911 responses."
Bowers said Bland County's population is estimated at approximately 6,151 residents spreading across 359 square miles. As a result, some emergency calls can require extended response times due to the large service area.
In addition to serving county residents, the rescue squad is responsible for responding to accidents along Interstate 77 within the county and covering two interstate rest areas. Because of this, the agency's service population can swell dramatically on any given day.
Michelle Mullins, an administrative office worker and Basic Life Support EMS provider with the rescue squad, said the organization also provides emergency to hikers on the Appalachian Trail, residents of the Bland Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, patients at the Bland Medical Clinic, and individuals at the Bland Correctional Center.
"Our interstate sees about 25,000 vehicles every day traveling in both directions," Bowers said. "The interstate significantly increases the number of people within our service area."
The Bland County Rescue Squad hosts bingo fundraisers on the second Wednesday of every other month. The next event is scheduled for Aug. 12.
Admission is $25 for one bingo card, with additional cards available for $5 each. Players may also purchase $5 blackout cards for a chance at a special jackpot.
Mullins said the organization is always seeking bingo sponsors and volunteers to assist with food preparation, event setup, bingo calling, running cards, filling boards, and concession operations.
During the months when the rescue squad is not hosting its own fundraiser, members assist with bingo events benefiting the Bland Dental Clinic.
"We also include admission tickets that make bingo players eligible for door prizes," Mullins said. "Anyone interested in volunteering or participating can contact our agency directly or follow our Facebook page, where we regularly post updates about upcoming events."
More information about the Bland County Rescue Squad can be found on its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/blandems. The organization can also be reached by phone at (276) 688-4708 and donations towards the rescue squad can be mailed to P.O Box 585 Bland, VA 24315
