Senator Collins Announces $600,000 for Emergency Medical Services in Maine

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced that two emergency medical services (EMS) departments in Maine will receive a total of $600,000 through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) Supporting and Improving Rural EMS Needs (SIREN) grant program. In 2024, Senator Collins’ bipartisan SIREN Reauthorization Act , which she co-authored with Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL), was signed into law . This legislation extended funding for SIREN Act grants through Fiscal Year 2028. SIREN grants support rural EMS agencies in training and recruiting staff, conducting certification courses, and purchasing equipment, including naloxone to help address the opioid overdose epidemic. “Emergency medical services are critical to ensuring that Mainers in every part of our state can receive the care they need,” said Senator Collins. “These investments in EMS agencies serving Maine’s rural population will help to improve the quality and accessibility of health care across our state by supporting training for emergency medical personnel.” The funding is allocated as follows: Brooks Ambulance Service - $300,000 to improve EMS training for Advanced Emergency Medical Technicians and paramedics. United Ambulance Service (Lewiston) - $300,000 to improve rural EMS training. ###