Harrison, Ark. (October 2, 2024) – North Arkansas Regional Medical Center (NARMC) is proud to announce it has been awarded a $398,346 Rural EMS Training grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). This grant, designated for the next two years, aims to support the recruitment and training of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel with a focus on addressing substance use disorders and co-occurring disorders in Boone and Newton Counties and the surrounding area.
The funding will significantly enhance NARMC's EMS training programs, helping to increase the number of paid and volunteer EMS personnel. This initiative aligns with the medical center's commitment to improving emergency response capabilities and advancing healthcare services in the communities it serves.
With this grant, NARMC will provide Mental Health First Aid Training for EMS personnel, equipping them with the skills to identify and respond effectively to mental health crises and substance use disorders. Additionally, certified instructors will be funded to lead these specialized training sessions, ensuring that EMS personnel receive the most relevant and impactful education.
NARMC will also support the professional development of future EMS professionals by providing scholarships for several students to undergo paramedic training at North Arkansas College. This investment in education aims to foster a new generation of skilled EMS personnel ready to serve the community.
This funding will also enable NARMC to acquire critical equipment, including ventilators and a high-fidelity simulation manikin. This will replace outdated tools, enhance skills training, and improve the ability to treat overdoses effectively, ultimately bolstering the emergency response capacity of the medical center.
“We are incredibly grateful for this grant from SAMHSA,” said Scottie Trammell, EMS Director at NARMC. “This funding will not only help us to train our EMS personnel in crucial areas like substance use disorders but also enhance our overall capacity to respond to emergencies, particularly in rural parts of our region.”
NARMC extends its sincere gratitude to North Arkansas College for their support and collaboration in this important initiative. For more information about NARMC and its EMS programs, please visit www.narmc.com/services/emergency-medicine.
North Arkansas Regional Medical Center is located in Harrison, Arkansas and is a 176-bed hospital and medical system employing over 650 healthcare professionals. The medical center serves the healthcare needs of Boone, Marion, Newton, Searcy and Carroll Counties. NARMC’s mission is to provide the most comprehensive healthcare in North Central Arkansas. Donations to the North Arkansas Medical Foundation are tax-deductable and customizable, based on the goals and intentions of the donor. Contact Dan Dillard (