UPCOMING AMBULANCE MILLAGE VOTE
CRITICAL TO HEALTH OF GOGEBIC COUNTY
All county residents urged to attend public information session
Residents of Gogebic County will make a critical decision about the health of their communities on August 6 when they vote to renew a millage that supports emergency medical services (EMS), including ambulance service. All residents are invited to learn more about the issue at information sessions on Thursday, July 18 at 4:30 p.m. at the Bessemer VFW Post 3673. The meeting will include time for a question-and-answer session.
“Imagine dialing 911 and no one shows up. Without additional outside funding, essential emergency ambulance services will very likely be unable to operate for residents across Gogebic County,” noted Jim Lorenson, chair of the Gogebic County Ambulance Committee, a standing committee of the Gogebic County Board. “This is an absolutely vital service. More than 8,860 911 calls were served in Gogebic County between January 1, 2021, and March 31, 2024. Ambulances play a critical role in protecting the health and safety of our residents.”
If renewal of the Gogebic County millage does not pass, alternatives are limited, and the safety of residents will be put at risk. Without funding from the millage, additional pressure during emergencies would be placed on residents, fire, and police departments.
The rural communities of Gogebic County currently rely on high-quality emergency medical services that are supported by the millage passed in 2021. In addition to responding to 911 calls and requests for transport, Gogebic County EMS staff provide CPR training, assist people in residences and nursing homes, and support law enforcement during search and rescue and major events. Millage funds do not provide direct economic benefit to any particular provider — they support EMS as a whole across the county. The millage has minimal financial impact on property owners.
According to the National Rural Health Association, Gogebic County is not alone in the EMS crisis. With widespread “ambulance deserts” and staffing shortages, more than one third of all rural emergency medical services departments are in danger of closing. “Staffing and financial challenges have continued to impact ambulance services across the country, especially in rural areas,” said Lorenson, “Gogebic County is no different. Our goal with these sessions is to offer the public an opportunity to learn about how the millage is being used and the dangers of what may happen if the millage renewal fails to pass. It is a very important vote that will directly impact the safety of our communities.”
The information session, which will be hosted by Gogebic County Ambulance Committee members, will highlight the current challenges facing ambulance service in the county and throughout the nation, including staffing, reimbursement, and geographic logistics. The sessions will be open to all residents of Gogebic County.
For more information about the EMS millage or the upcoming community information sessions, please call Gogebic County Emergency Management at 906-667-1118.