Southern Tier Health Care System has received grant funding from the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation to support the Southern Tier EMT-B Academy project.

Through this project, the Southern Tier Health Care System will recruit and train new EMS personnel to help bolster the EMS system in Allegany, Cattaraugus and Chautauqua counties.

“I am thrilled that the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation chose to support our program for a second year,” said Donna Kahm, Southern Tier Health Care System president and CEO. “Eleven individuals, aged 17-27 participated in the 8-week EMT-B Academy. 100% of individuals moved onto full-time employment in healthcare or are attending college following the completion of the program.”

To help overcome barriers for these students, the academy will be provided at no cost to students, including their required uniforms, textbooks, and state exam fees. Students will also receive a stipend during the academy to concentrate on their training program without also having to work full-time.

“This year the Foundation is proud to support so many essential, innovative, and hard-working groups working on behalf of the health of New Yorkers,” said Kathryn Ruscitto, chair of the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation’s Regional Grants Committee. “These include an array of religiously affiliated organizations that support critical programs through a well-established infrastructure serving the needs of the poor and underserved of all faiths.”

Recruitment for the next installment of the Southern Tier EMT-B Academy will begin in the coming months. For more information, visit sthcs.org/emtbacademy.