Monongalia County Technical School EMS program faces funding cuts and staffing challenges

The Monongalia County Board of Education meeting on April 15, 2025, spotlighted the urgent need to sustain the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) program at the Monongalia County Technical Education Center (EmTech). EMS instructor Chelsea Hayes passionately advocated for the program, emphasizing its critical role in addressing the severe shortage of trained EMS personnel in West Virginia.

Hayes highlighted that the state has lost over 26 EMS agencies in recent years, leaving only about 1,800 providers to meet the demands of a growing population. She pointed out that the program not only equips students with essential skills but also provides them with job opportunities upon certification. "Our kids absolutely have jobs if they finish this program," Hayes stated, underscoring the program's potential to fill vital roles in local emergency services.

The board discussed the implications of the impending end of Perkins funding, which supports the program for its first three years. After this period, the county would need to absorb the costs, a challenge given the current budget constraints that require the reduction of nearly ten professional positions. Hayes urged the board to consider the broader impact of cutting the program, noting that it serves a critical need in the community and has already produced successful outcomes, including students who have saved lives in real emergency situations.

In response to concerns about student retention and program structure, Hayes proposed several options for improvement, including running two simultaneous one-year cohorts to better accommodate students' needs and interests. She emphasized the importance of adapting the program to ensure it remains relevant and effective in training the next generation of EMS professionals.

The board's decision on the future of the EMS program will not only affect current students but also the community's ability to respond to emergencies effectively. As Hayes concluded, "We have the opportunity for this program to pay 18-year-old students into a career that they are trained for and to make an impact." The outcome of this discussion will be pivotal in shaping the future of emergency medical services in Monongalia County.