Delta Ambulance hosts American Ambulance Association & Senator Susan Collins

January 15

Delta Ambulance was proud to host an award reception for US Senator Susan Collins at the new base in Augusta.

Tim Beals, Delta's Executive Director and President of the Maine Ambulance Association acted as emcee and presented the award.

Good Afternoon, my name is Tim Beals, President of the Maine Ambulance Association.

On behalf of the members of the MAA I welcome you and especially our distinguished guest Senator Susan Collins to today’s award ceremony. It is my honor to present a national recognition award from the American Ambulance Association to Senator Susan Collins. Senator Collins is ranking member and former Chair of the Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee, Sen. Collins also serves on the Appropriations Committee, Armed Services Committee and Special Committee on Aging as well as numerous sub-committees. Senator Collins has had many successes while in Washington but near and dear to the members of the MAA is her work on healthcare issues. She has worked tirelessly to improve access to healthcare and public safety issues particularly for those citizens living in rural areas; she created and then secured funding for the Rural AED Access Grant program that has a documented life saving impact. Senator Collins has been a continual supporter of Medicare Ambulance relief by co-sponsoring bills that would ensure Medicare (our largest payor source) reimburses ambulance companies at least at their cost of providing service. Without consistent Medicare funding the sustainability of the Maine EMS system would be in jeopardy. Further, in her prominent roles on the Homeland Security Committee she has been a dedicated supporter of the 1st Responder community. Her efforts have made it possible for private ambulances as EMS 1st responders to have access to homeland security funds. These are but a few of the Senator’s many accomplishments -the message here is Simple - the Senator listens and then takes action! And finally as we watch the national healthcare debate continue-Senator Collins remains a voice of reason and a Champion for Maine EMS providers.

So, Senator Collins on behalf of the AAA and MAA I present you with this national recognition award.