Today you have a special opportunity to help save lives. Seconds Save Lives
is a capital campaign to meet a critical need for a new station for Gunnison
Valley Health Paramedics. A new station will dramatically decrease response
time to 911 calls – saving lives – while also improving patient
safety, satisfaction rates and outcomes. Thanks to incredible community
support, we have raised 85% of the $10 million needed for the new station!
A larger, updated station with sleeping quarters is desperately needed.
GVH Paramedics are experiencing increased 911 call volume, more backcountry
rescues, and a greater number of interfacility transports (IFTs) to larger,
specialized hospitals in Montrose, Grand Junction and Denver, resulting
in a dramatic increase in ambulance operation and time on the road.
We have $1.5 million left to raise, and we are depending on community members
like you to reach our goal. Unlike fire and police departments, GVH Paramedics
are not tax-funded. For over 20 years, Gunnison Valley Health has subsidized
the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) department. GVH operational funding
and minimal insurance reimbursements are simply not enough to fund the
capital expense of a new station.
GVH Paramedics have evolved over the last 25 years from a small, mostly
volunteer service to a fully professional team, highly trained in all-hazard
and critical care level response. The GVH EMS service area is 4,400 square
miles, the largest response zone in the state. GVH Paramedics are the
only EMS agency in Colorado cleared to transport and administer blood
on ambulances, and many personnel are flight paramedic certified. This
award-winning team is a leader in the industry, often setting the precedent
of how other EMS agencies train and operate.
Gunnison Valley Health Foundation has issued a community challenge and
will match all donations $1 for $1 up to $500,000! Together, we can sustain
the health, safety and well-being of our community and the paramedics
who serve us 24/7. With your generous year-end donation, we can break
ground on the new station this spring!
Wishing you and yours a happy and healthy holiday season.
Gratefully,
Jenny Birnie, M.S.W., Executive Director, Gunnison Valley Health Foundation
CJ Malcolm, Chief, Gunnison Valley Health Paramedics
John Tarr, MD, Chair, Board of Directors, Gunnison Valley Health Foundation
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