LUBBOCK, Texas — Two rural EMS advocates told Texas lawmakers that a state ambulance grant program needs retooling, arguing its current rules leave some counties and providers unable to benefit even when they qualify.
Seminole EMS Chief Carly French, testifying on behalf of the Texas EMS Alliance, and Lamb County Judge James DeLoach brought their concerns to the Texas House Committee on State Affairs on Sept. 22, according to a KCBD report. It’s the second time French has raised the issue this year — she first flagged problems with the program before the House Committee on Public Health back in June.
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The state has awarded $63.9 million to 150 counties through the Rural Ambulance Service Grant Program as of Sept. 1. French said the program is working but could be made more effective.
“Currently, there are 741 licensed EMS providers in the state of Texas. Every system is different. Some agencies serve one community. Others serve counties, several counties, while maintaining dedicated stations, ambulances, equipment and personnel within each county,” French said. “Our focus should be on the community being served and the response capability being created, not simply the organizational structure or the name on the side of the ambulance.”
French said counties that contract with a single EMS provider may not qualify for funding, limiting provider’s ability to expand response capabilities. She suggested allowing counties to allocate funds directly and broadening the equipment eligible for grants.
Heather Hampton, representing the Texas Comptroller’s Office, said the law allows an EMS provider to benefit from only one grant per fiscal year and that the intent was to keep ambulances within the county receiving the funding. She also said counties are not automatically ineligible, with awards based on need.
Applications are open now for the Rural Ambulance Service Grant Program for the 2027 fiscal year. The application period closes Jan. 31.
