COMMISSION EXPRESSES CONCERNS ABOUT CALHOUN EMS LIQUIDATION

(05/07/2013)
The Calhoun Commission has expressed concern about the liquidation of Calhoun County EMS, following a sudden shut-down last week.

Calhoun County EMS has yet to issue a foreclosure plan regarding the sale of assets and collection of unpaid accounts.

Commission president Kevin Helmick has expressed concern for the creditors who are seeking payment from Calhoun EMS.

The assets and records have been removed from the Mt. Zion station.

"The commissions concern is that the foreclosure is handled legally," said commissioner Chip Westfall.

Following the shut-down, Helmick said Minnie Hamilton Health System worked diligently to place employees on a schedule to commence providing service last week.

"We're hopeful the public will be aware of the problem," Helmick said.

Since the shut-down, MHHS ambulances and crews responded to a number of calls last week in a timely manner.

Calhoun EMS director Danny May told Calhoun commissioners the agency would maintain the service until until Minnie Hamilton was ready on May 16, but the service was closed two weeks early without notification.

The agency apparently shutdown the service before having an official board meeting.

Minnie Hamilton CEO Steve Whited acknowledged the sudden shut-down put MHHS in a lurch, saying "We'll step up to the plate."

Whited said several new EMS employees are in training and the southern Calhoun EMS station is not hooked-up, "We'll speed up the transition as best we can."

State EMS Director March Tucker said state resources will be made available to Calhoun during the emergency, with regional ambulance services giving a hand if necessary.

See related story CALHOUN EMS GIVES QUICK NOTICE OF CLOSURE - Minnie Hamilton Put In Lurch To Provide Ambulance Service