City of Altus

PROJECT PURPOSE

The project goal is to create a reliable, high-quality and sustainable EMS service for disproportionally affected residents of southwest Oklahoma, ensuring them equal access to medical care. Equipping Jackson County EMS (JCEMS) with training and resources to properly provide access to critical medical care is essential. Overcoming the lack of quality vehicles and equipment, along with modern operating and training facilities is a costly proposal but one that?s effects will continue for generations to come. This plan purchases two new ambulances and constructs an EMS/Fire/Rescue substation with a new state-of-the-art specialized interagency training facility. JCEMS had been struggling; but, COVID was the last straw. The City of Altus is stepping in by combining EMS with the City of Altus? Fire Department, however, SLRF Financial assistance is crucial. Along with requested funds, the City is committing $1.2M and Jackson County is committing $330,000. A key component of this project is the innovative approach of keeping the service?s 522 status while combining with Altus? fire department. Implementing this project aligns with all 3 goals; Building a stronger, more diverse Oklahoma economy, Enhancing the well-being of a large population of some of our most vulnerable Oklahoma citizens, Giving citizens equal access to Healthcare

EVIDENCE

Access to reliable EMS services is a critical component of any community. Jackson County EMS became insolvent in late 2021, and the City began providing administrative and financial oversight. A committee was developed with members from Jackson County, City of Altus, JCEMS board, and Altus Airforce Base, to evaluate how to guarantee a reliable, high-quality and sustainable EMS service. Its determination was to purchase 2 new ambulances and to build a substation and training facility that will give medics access to necessary training, AND be used by the entire region. SLRF funding is necessary to ensure success of this project.

POPULATION DESCRIPTION

The resulting improvements to the EMS service will clearly benefit all residents of Jackson County and the southwest region of Oklahoma, which includes 804 square miles, multiple LMI communities, Altus Air Force Base, Western Oklahoma State College, Southwestern Technical College, American Gypsum, Bar-S, Cotton Gins and other major employers. The communities represented in this project area were greatly impacted by the pandemic with many citizens suffering from job/income losses, housing displacement and increased costs; not to mention the deaths and prolonged health issues still being faced today. Without reliable equipment and staffing there is no guarantee of equitable medical care which can exacerbate suffering without access to necessary medical services upon request. The state-of-the-art, specialized, interagency training facility will benefit the entire southwest region of Oklahoma, if not the entire state. This training center will be available for use by the police, fire, emergency management, Altus Airforce Base and any other agency. The planned paramedic training from our local Vo-Tech will be held in this facility, as they do not have the space. Additionally, this project will assist the entire State of Oklahoma by modeling success with our innovative approach to an ongoing problem affecting ambulance services across the state.

PERFORMANCE MEASURING

Using the data and evidence available, it is clear that JCEMS cannot continue without assistance. Operational and financial data will provide evidence of continued improvement in the performance and impact of JCEMS, measured by regular reviews and audits. This project ensures equitable outcomes, prioritizing economic and racial equality with the ability to service all areas of the region with a high-quality, sustainable ambulance service. Since Oklahoma EMS providers are required to provide data to Oklahoma Emergency Medical Services Information System (OKEMSIS), including service call counts and other pertinent performance information, these metrics will also show a great deal of progress.

ONGOING INVESTMENT AMOUNT

$

ONGOING INVESTMENT DESCRIPTION

None

ONGOING INVESTMENT REQUIRED

One-time project will not need continued funding