NC Allocates $10M to Enhance EMS and Health Services in Rural Areas

North Carolina’s New Initiative to Empower EMS and Enhance Rural Health Care

In a significant move to bolster health care services in rural areas, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) has allocated $10 million to 39 local EMS agencies through the NC Rural Health Transformation Program. This funding, provided by the NCDHHS Office of Emergency Medical Services, aims to enhance the EMS workforce and increase access to mental health and substance use disorder services in underserved communities.

Governor Josh Stein emphasized the importance of equitable health care access, stating, “Every North Carolinian deserves access to safe, affordable, quality health care, no matter where they live.” He added that this investment would bring necessary care closer to home for many residents.

NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai highlighted the importance of supporting health care providers, particularly those on the front lines. “Improving access to care starts with investing in our health care providers, including our frontline EMS workforce,” he said. By reinforcing EMS-led Mobile Integrated Health programs, the initiative aims to deliver timely treatment, support recovery, and decrease preventable overdoses.

In 2021, data showed that rural North Carolinians faced higher instances of fatal drug overdoses and overdose-related emergency department visits than their urban counterparts. The newly awarded funds will equip EMS agencies to address these issues more effectively. This includes providing medication for opioid use disorder, ensuring rapid follow-up care after overdoses, and connecting patients to treatment and recovery services, allowing residents to receive care within their communities.

Tom Mitchell, Chief of the NCDHHS Office of Emergency Medical Services, noted the pivotal role of EMS professionals. “EMS professionals are uniquely positioned at the intersection of emergency response and health care delivery, serving as a critical link in the continuum of care for rural communities,” he remarked.

This funding acknowledges the essential role of EMS in North Carolina’s health care system and underscores their partnership in expanding behavioral health care and substance use disorder treatment accessibility. The initiative marks a significant step in ensuring that rural residents have improved access to necessary health services, setting the stage for better long-term health outcomes.

The Mobile Integrated Health grant recipients include:

Alamance County EMS

Alleghany County EMS

Anson County EMS

Avery County EMS

Brunswick County EMS

Buncombe County EMS

Burke County EMS

Cabarrus County EMS

Cape Fear Valley Mobile Integrated Health (MIH)

Camden County EMS

Caswell County EMS

Catawba County EMS

Cherokee County EMS

Clay County

Columbus County EMS

Davie County EMS

Edgecombe County EMS

Franklin County EMS

Gaston County EMS

Graham County EMS

Henderson County EMS

Lenoir County EMS

McDowell County EMS

Mitchell County EMS

Nash County EMS

Onslow County EMS

Orange County EMS

Pasquotank County EMS

Perquimans County EMS

Person County EMS

Rowan County EMS

Stanly County EMS

Stokes County EMS

Surry County EMS

Washington County EMS

Watauga County EMS

Wilkes County EMS

Yadkin County EMS

Yancey County EMS

For further details on the North Carolina Rural Health Transformation Program and involvement opportunities, visit the NCDHHS NCRHTP webpage.

Stevens Amendment Disclosure: This press release is supported by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $213,008,356.47 with 100% funded by CMS/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by CMS/HHS, or the U.S. Government.