State Senator Jordan Rasmusson (R-Fergus Falls) has announced the distribution of $24 million in Emergency Ambulance Service Aid for emergency medical service (EMS) providers who primarily serve Greater Minnesota communities. This includes a $102,477 appropriation to Henning Ambulance for operational and capital expenses.

  “Access to Emergency Medical Services is crucial for Greater Minnesota, yet delivering these services can be particularly challenging,” Sen. Rasmusson said. “That is why the Emergency Ambulance Aid package is designed to support EMS providers in our rural communities. I am grateful for the bipartisan partnership in addressing this vital issue, and I know that this funding will make a positive difference across our region and state.”

  The Department of Revenue (DOR) and the Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board have verified the application data and certified the aid amounts, and the DOR recently made full payments to each certified licensed ambulance service provider on Thursday, Dec. 26, 2024.

  “Henning Ambulance looks to use the state aid for numerous improvements to our current system,” Chelsey Waskosky, director of Henning Ambulance, said. “In 2026, Henning Ambulance is in contract to have one of our ambulances remounted, which this aid can help cover some of the cost. Another portion of the financial aid will be used towards staffing wages as the current wage has not been changed in 10 years and it is becoming more difficult to find volunteers as the years pass on. The financial aid came at an ideal time, and we are thankful for the hard work our senators and representatives put into this important funding.”

  This funding is part of a larger $30 million aid package for rural EMS that was approved during the 2024 legislative session. The package is based on the findings of a bipartisan EMS Task Force, which investigated ways to enhance the life-saving services provided by EMS personnel. Sen. Rasmusson, who was a member of this task force, played a crucial role in passing this bipartisan legislation. As reported by the Star Tribune, he “created the mathematical formula that will determine which districts receive the money.”

  Sen. Rasmusson’s work to address the concerns of EMS providers was also recognized by the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities and the Minnesota Association of Small Cities.