by Barb Svoboda
In October 2022, the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) announced the opening of applications to both the Rural Ambulance Replacement grant and Emergency Medical Services Equipment grant. Both grants are being funded by the American Rescue Plan Act, appropriated by LB1014, in the total amount of $25 million dollars.
$5 million was appropriated to the equipment grant, intended to provide funding for the one-time purchase of emergency medical equipment. The other $20 million was appropriated to the ambulance replacement grant, intended to assist EMS across Nebraska in replacing aging ambulance fleets.
Priority was given to EMS services that are volunteer based and in communities with populations of fewer than 100,000 people.
Mullen EMS applied for the equipment grant in the amount of $44,515 (maximum of $50,000) for the purchase of a power cot. The power cot function will allow us to load and unload patients without needing extra lift assistance, which is crucial when we are shorthanded on help or have heavier patients. Ambulance cots are sold separately from the ambulance itself. Mullen EMS was notified by DHHS in early February that we were awarded the full amount requested for the purchase of the power cot.
Additionally, Mullen EMS applied for the maximum that could be received for ambulance replacement ($150,000). The grant opportunity is timely for Mullen EMS, as we have been anticipating the need to replace our 2-wheel drive ambulance, which was last replaced in 2011. However, at that time only the truck/chassis was replaced, and we were able to save money by reusing the current “box” on the back (the box was new in 1996). The 1996 box no longer meets current safety standards and cannot be remounted. Mullen EMS was later notified that we were awarded $75,000 towards the purchase of a new ambulance.
Knowing the grant money would only partially fulfill the cost of a new ambulance, Mullen EMS volunteers got to work right away on other outside grant applications and on how/where additional funding could be secured for the balance. The cost of a new, 4-wheel drive ambulance is approximately $275,000.
To date, we have secured the following funding in addition to the grant: $40,000 from the Village of Mullen sinking fund earmarked for an ambulance purchase, just over $25,000 in donations to Mullen EMS set aside for ambulance replacement, as well as approximately $60,000 from the Mullen EMS sinking fund (also earmarked for ambulance replacement).
Even with this great support, we are still approximately $75,000 short. Because the grant allows us time for purchase (new ambulance must be delivered by Sept. 30, 2026), we are confident we can raise the funds necessary with the generous support of our community and other supporters. Additionally, we have applied for other outside grant money from several sources as well as local organizations.
Mullen Ambulance services over 1,700 square miles for EMS and fire calls (the largest district in the state!). We can be seen on standby at home football games, rodeos and structure fires. We also answer additional calls in the summer months when our population temporarily increases due to hundreds of visitors at both golf courses as well as many tourists and locals using the river for recreation.
While we plan to host fundraising events in the near future, please consider donating to Mullen Ambulance at any time to help with the purchase of our new ambulance as it is of utmost importance to keep our fleet in top condition for transporting patients. Any amount is graciously appreciated and can be sent to Mullen Ambulance, PO Box 9, Mullen, NE 69152 or can be sent to the Hooker County Community Foundation (a 501c3) and earmarked for Mullen Ambulance, PO Box 112, Mullen, NE 69152.
Thank you for your continued support!