Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara, Chair of the New York Assembly Commission on Rural Resources, announced that he secured funding in the amount of $125,000 to purchase a new ambulance for Rotterdam EMS (REMS). REMS recently lost two vehicles in their fleet, a significant resource critical to their operation. The Dormitory Authority of New York State has approved the funding he secured through his State Assembly office.

“When an ambulance is called for an emergency situation, every second counts,” Santabarbara said. “We have seen a number of ambulance services close their doors, and we can’t risk seeing more do the same, not when lives are on the line. This funding is a smart investment that supports health care here in Rotterdam and will help save lives.”

With more than 26 rural ambulance services shutting their doors across the state last year, the support for these organizations has become critical. REMS has faced a number of challenges over the years but has continued to serve the town of Rotterdam for the past 80 years with a limited staff of volunteer workers. Santabarbara, in his new role as chair of the Commission on Rural Resources, has called on the Governor to address the needs of rural upstate communities in this upcoming state budget.

“Ambulance services in our rural communities face unique challenges, such as longer travel times, inclement weather and poor road conditions,” said Santabarbara. “They’re also facing financial strains that are affecting their ability to serve our rural communities during medical emergencies. While this funding restores a critical resource here in Rotterdam, we’ve already seen too many others forced to close their doors (26 statewide) and can’t risk losing more. I again call on the governor to prioritize funding for rural ambulance services and set clear goals to help in this state budget.”