Butte Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Base Station to be Re-established in Paradise
Funding made possible by North Valley Community Foundation, Adventist Health and
Adventist Health Feather River Foundation
Paradise, CA (September 20, 2019) Today, Adventist Health announced that all funding needed for a new EMS base station in Paradise was secured, thanks to the recent news from North Valley Community Foundation which awarded a $49k grant from its Butte Strong Fund to support the project. This comes on the heels of a donation provided by Adventist Health Feather River Foundation for $21k and Adventist Health, which is subsidizing the funds needed for the use of a building as the new base station, located at the intersection of Bille and Clark road, a central location that will be key to providing 24/7 response for residents in the Paradise community.
Since the devastation caused by Camp Fire, the ambulance service for Paradise has been based out of Magalia, this increases response time and requires ambulance crews to commute in from outside the area. This is an unsustainable model for the long-term operations. Since December, there has been a 30% increase in ambulance runs for Paradise, which is expected to increase as the rebuilding efforts continue to escalate. With an ambulance base in Paradise, crews can better serve residents and they can live and work in the community they serve.
“This is a win-win for residents of Paradise,” says Mons Jensen, restoration project manager at Adventist Health. “By working together, we’ve been able to secure the funding that is needed for the project. Without it, it was not financially feasible for Butte EMS to re-establish a station until a more significant population moved back to Paradise.”
“We are so appreciative of everyone’s efforts. Butte County EMS is committed to providing the same level of service as before the Camp Fire. With this collaboration and Adventist Health’s willingness to subsidize a station in Paradise, we’ll be able to respond to the community as it rebuilds,” commented James Clark, paramedic battalion chief for Butte County.
Adventist Health is committed to continue to lead the way in restoring vital health care services in the Butte County region. To learn about other ways Adventist Health is supporting the rebuilding efforts, go to AdventistHealth.org/ParadiseStrong.
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About Adventist Health
Adventist Health is a faith-based, nonprofit integrated health system serving more than 75 communities in California, Hawaii, Oregon and Washington. Our workforce of 32,900 includes more than 23,600 employees; nearly 5,000 medical staff physicians; and 4,350 volunteers. Founded on Seventh-day Adventist heritage and values, Adventist Health provides compassionate care in 20 hospitals, more than 260 clinics (hospital-based, rural health and physician clinics), 15 home care agencies, seven hospice agencies and four joint-venture retirement centers. In addition, the Adventist Health Plan serves patients in Kings County. Visit AdventistHealth.org for more information.
About North Valley Community Foundation’s Butte Strong Fund
The Butte Strong Fund provides funding for eligible organizations or local government entities that are directly serving people affected by the Camp Fire. Individual assistance is handled through those organizations.
The Butte Strong Fund is still receiving donations. Tax deductible donations can be sent to Butte Strong Fund, 240 Main St., Suite 260, Chico, CA 95928 or by visiting www.buttestrongfund.org.
