Oregon Department of Human Services awards $2.35 million in grants to improve emergency medical services for older adults in long-term care facilities

Oregon – The Oregon Department of Human Services has awarded four grants totaling $2.35 million to local organizations that are working to develop innovative strategies to address the emergency medical services (EMS) needs of older adults living in long-term care facilities. The grants are part of the Senior Emergency Medical Services Innovation Program, which was established by Oregon House Bill 2397 in 2021. Funding for these grants began in January 2025 and will continue through December 2026.

Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue (TVF&R) was awarded $758,000 to fund an Advanced Resource Medic (ARM) unit. This unit will be staffed by advanced practice paramedics and physician assistants who will respond to emergency calls from licensed long-term care facilities. The goal of this unit is to provide the necessary care on-site to reduce unnecessary hospital visits for residents. TVF&R responds to approximately 45,000 EMS calls annually, 14 percent of which are from care facilities.

Eugene-Springfield Fire received $1,233,000 to fund a Community Aid Response Unit. This team will respond to calls from residents of licensed long-term care facilities, offering services that require more time than a standard emergency response. The unit will also conduct risk evaluations and provide education to facilities to enhance their preparedness.

The City of Lake Oswego was awarded $288,000 to fund risk reduction, prevention, and education programs for older adults. The city’s fire department will hire a risk reduction specialist and partner with licensed long-term care facilities to develop emergency plans. Additionally, Lake Oswego will work toward creating a master emergency plan that care facilities statewide can use as a template for their own emergency planning.

Albany received $68,500 to fund a Care Facility Response Safety Program. This initiative will focus on training facility staff in the proper use of lifting devices and the best practices for responding to falls.

The Senior Emergency Medical Services Innovation Program is part of the ODHS Office of Aging and People with Disabilities (APD). The program’s aim is to enhance the quality of EMS for older adults while ensuring efficiency and promoting community-based responses to the challenges faced by long-term care facilities. These grants will support the development of effective, localized solutions to improve emergency services and care for older adults across Oregon.