Texas County Memorial Hospital in Houston has been awarded a grant of $177,292.50 by the Missouri Department of Public Safety.
Officials making the announcement Friday explained the primary objective of the grant is to provide new equipment to enable first responders to better respond to emergencies. TMCH will use these funds to purchase a new ambulance, said officials, noting it will be a crucial addition to the hospital’s fleet.
The public safety grant is awarded as a result of Gov. Mike Parson’s plan for Missouri’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. On April 10, Parson announced that the Department of Public Safety had approved 70 grants totaling $5 million for law enforcement, fire service and emergency medical service providers. TCMH was one of 18 EMS providers to receive funding, and it received the eighth-highest amount of funding among the 70 grants awarded.
“Across the state, Missouri first responders bravely respond to emergencies, including floods, droughts, train derailments, traffic accidents and beyond. In times of crisis, we call on them, and we could not be more proud,” said Parson. “These grants will provide vitally important equipment to help law enforcement officers, firefighters and EMS personnel do their jobs more effectively and make our Missouri communities safer.”
Eligible grant expenditures include equipment and supplies. A 50% local match is required: For example, explained officials, if the total project cost of a project is $40,000, the local recipient would be responsible for $20,000 and the ARPA share would be $20,000. A local agency’s match may be retroactive to March 2020. Local ARPA grant funds may be used for the local match.
“Missouri first responders rush toward danger no matter the limitations or age of their equipment,” said Department of Public Safety Director Sandy Karsten. “The $5 million in funding we’re providing means more Missourians facing life-threatening emergencies will be met by responders using up-to-date equipment, trained with modern devices and using interoperable radios that make for better communications. This funding will make a difference in communities across the state.”
“We want to express our gratitude to the Missouri Department of Public Safety for their exceptional support and generosity towards TCMH and the residents of Texas County. Thanks to their funding, we can purchase a new ambulance to replace our existing vehicle with the highest mileage, currently at 514,506 miles,” said interim TCMH CEO Bill Bridges. “This ambulance will ensure that TCMH can continue to provide prompt, efficient, and high quality emergency medical services to the residents of Texas County.”
