CONGRESSMAN PAT RYAN FIGHTS FOR HUDSON VALLEY FIRST RESPONDERS, MEETS WITH EMS LEADERS ACROSS DUTCHESS, ORANGE, ULSTER COUNTIES AMID PUSH TO PASS CARE ACT

Congressman Pat Ryan Fights for Hudson Valley First Responders, Meets With EMS Leaders Across Dutchess, Orange, Ulster Counties Amid Push to Pass CARE Act

Congressman Ryan was joined by over 40 Hudson Valley Emergency Medical Services leaders in Marlboro to discuss the work Ryan is doing to support first responders, and hear directly from them on what they need

Ryan's Comprehensive Alternative Response for Emergencies (CARE) Act would ensure fair compensation for EMS personnel and improve health care access for seniors through Medicaid reimbursement

Ryan is a member of the bipartisan Congressional EMS Caucus; in addition to his CARE Act Ryan has also led efforts to support rural EMS and fully fund EMS first responders

MARLBORO, NY - In August, Congressman Pat Ryan was joined by over 40 Hudson Valley Emergency Medical Services leaders from across Dutchess, Orange, and Ulster Counties to discuss the challenges facing EMS first responders and the work Ryan is doing in Washington to support Hudson Valley heroes. The meetings follow Ryan's re-introduction of the "Comprehensive Alternative Response for Emergencies (CARE) Act," which would ensure fair compensation for EMS personnel and improve health care access for seniors through Medicaid reimbursements for care administered in the field.

Congressman Ryan is a member of the bipartisan Congressional EMS Caucus. In addition to the CARE Act, Ryan also leads several efforts to support and improve conditions for EMS first responders, including bills to support rural EMS operations and fully fund EMS first responders and the lifesaving care they administer.

"Our Hudson Valley grandparents, neighbors, and friends are safer and healthier because of the dedicated care EMS workers provide to our communities across Dutchess, Orange, and Ulster Counties. They are true heroes - and I'll fight every single day to ensure they have the tools they need to administer lifesaving care in every corner of the Hudson Valley," said Congressman Pat Ryan."They also deserve to be compensated - no matter where they administer care. That's why I'm proud to co-lead the Comprehensive Alternate Response for Emergencies (CARE) Act to ensure that our highly trained first responders are fully supported in continuing to save lives and serve our seniors. As a proud member of the Congressional EMS Caucus, I will always keep fighting, in a bipartisan way, for the resources that our EMS first responders need and deserve."

"Orange County's EMS professionals truly embody what it means to serve. Day after day, they face adversity and uncertainty, yet they remain unwavering in their commitment to provide steady care for our residents," said Commissioner Peter Cirigliano of the Orange County Department of Emergency Services."Supporting their wellbeing and providing the right resources is essential for effective response in times of crisis. We are grateful for Rep. Ryan's continued support and look forward to building on this partnership to strengthen emergency response for all of Orange County."

"Dutchess County's EMS personnel and first responders are true heroes. They confront danger head-on each day, ready to sacrifice it all to keep our loved ones safe," said William H. Beale, Dutchess County's Commissioner of Emergency Response. "It is imperative that these first responders and their respective agencies have the necessary tools and support to meet their mission of public safety. Congressman Ryan's C.A.R.E. Act would provide for vital agency reimbursement for lifesaving care provided to seniors, and the S.I.R.E.N. Reauthorization Act would support and fully fund rural EMS. Federal government support is critical to sustain local EMS initiatives and I greatly appreciate Congressman Ryan's partnership and commitment to public safety."

"Investing in and supporting Ulster County's emergency response personnel is a critical part of keeping our communities safe," said Everett Erichsen, Ulster County Department of Emergency Services Director."Our first responders are heroes, and they deserve the absolute best. I'm grateful to Congressman Ryan for his steadfast advocacy for our Ulster EMS community, and I look forward to our continued partnership."

"Every single day, members of the EMS community both career and volunteer run towards danger to keep community members safe across Ulster County and the entire Hudson Valley," said Jeff Ashdown, Ulster County EMS Council President."We see people at their worst and that takes a toll. Yet, our EMS members still show up for our communities each day, do their best to help the situation and show compassion and professional care to each patient they serve. The members of our EMS community deserve support, proper resources and appropriate compensation. I am grateful for Rep. Ryan's partnership and advocacy for ensuring that our EMS heroes not only have the tools they need to save lives but also the support behind their well being."

"EMS providers are the backbone of emergency response in Dutchess County," said Rob Ridley, President, Dutchess County EMS Council. "Supporting them with fair pay, proper resources, and the right tools is essential for both responder safety and community care. I'm grateful for the opportunity to work alongside Congressman Ryan and our partners to strengthen EMS and ensure our community continues to receive the high-quality care it deserves."

"Emergency Medical Service providers and First Responders of the Arlington Fire District and all those across the Hudson Valley risk their own lives every day to protect our families and communities," said David Violante, Arlington Fire District Director of EMS."We need leaders like Congressman Ryan who fight for the public, and for those who protect the public. From helping secure funding for updated infrastructure to championing legislation to ensure access to the best resources and fair pay, I am grateful for the Congressman's advocacy and partnership as we all fight for a safer Hudson Valley."

"Across New York State and nationwide, EMS faces structural and financial instability that threatens patient care, public health, and public safety. We need all-hands-on-deck to fully support EMS and first responders in the short, medium, and long term," said Melissa Lawlor, Fire Commissioner and Nurse Practitioner."A healthy EMS workforce is the backbone of public safety. I am grateful to Congressman Ryan for taking this issue seriously, and convening diverse perspectives from across the Hudson Valley to strengthen the future of EMS across all of our communities. I look forward to continuing our partnership, both in my roles as a clinician and operational leader."

A member of the bipartisan Congressional EMS Caucus, Congressman Ryan has been a steadfast supporter of and advocate for Hudson Valley first responders throughout his time in office. Most recently, this year Ryan re-introduced his bipartisan "Comprehensive Alternate Response for Emergencies (CARE) Act," landmark legislation that will allow EMS first responders to access Medicaid reimbursements for lifesaving care administered to seniors.

Congressman Ryan also co-sponsors the "Supporting and Improving Rural EMS Needs (SIREN) Reauthorization Act;" which funds the only federal program that exists specifically to support rural EMS operations, as well as the "Facilitating Investments Required for Emergency Services to All Towns in Our Nation (FIRE STATION) Act;" which provides financial assistance to fire and EMS operations nationwide.

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