Language Translation
  Close Menu

Press Releases

Latest Press Releases

  • New IDHS Structure Elevates EMS to Division - September 13, 2023
    EMS logo
    EMS logo
    IDHS Announces EMS Now a Stand-alone Division of Agency

    The Indiana Department of Homeland Security on Wednesday notified the Indiana EMS Commission that EMS has been designated as one of the five core divisions of the agency. For more than a decade, EMS has existed as a section under Fire and Building Services, administered by the Indiana State Fire Marshal.

    “Indiana EMS is a critical function of public health and public safety,” IDHS Executive Director Joel Thacker said. “As such, it deserves to function independently to better recognize its contributions and be allowed to evolve to best serve the growing needs of Hoosiers in the future.”

    The change was prompted not only by the increasing stature of EMS around the state, but also it reflects the larger vision that the EMS staff have taken on as the service has evolved in Indiana, including advocacy and long-term planning initiatives. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, EMS played a critical role in helping to administer vaccines and support services that helped Indiana maneuver through the event.

    “This designation is a validation of the vital role that EMS plays within our Indiana communities,” says EMS Director Kraig Kinney.

    "For many communities, fire and EMS will be infinitely connected. But, some communities function very differently in Indiana," said Steve Jones, Indiana State Fire Marshal. "This change is needed to enhance services, oversight and leadership that Indiana EMS provides for Hoosiers outside of fire protection."

    In addition to EMS, IDHS is home to Fire and Building Services, Emergency Management and Preparedness, IDHS Administrative Services and the Indiana State Building Commissioner.

    The change also removes any potential conflicts of interest with the administration of the Fire and Public Safety Academy facilitating some EMS education offerings. Previously, staff from both the Fire and Public Safety Academy staff and EMS fell under the direct supervision of the Indiana State Fire Marshal.

    Kinney noted that while the division is changing its structure within IDHS, the division will continue to work closely with the State Fire Marshal and the Indiana fire service.
    In Indiana, 599 of the 841 (71%) of EMS provider organizations, including non-transport providers, are volunteer or paid fire service. For ambulance transporting organizations, the fire service is 41% of the total providers.

    Kinney noted his appreciation of the recognition for EMS through the restructure, but he also recognizes the higher duties for the EMS division.

    “While the EMS staff has increased its work and expanded functions to include better advocacy outside simple regulation, there are extremely tasking challenges for EMS currently, such as workforce shortages, working conditions and pay for EMS,” Kinney said.

    This year, the Indiana General Assembly allocated about $15 million (across two years) to address gaps in the EMS workforce and evaluate how to best sustain the critical public service for the long term. Kinney complimented partners like the Indiana Department of Health and the Bowen Center for Health Workforce Research, who are contributing to the EMS workforce study. Results of the study are expected later this year. The EMS division is tasked with distributing and prioritizing the funds allocated for the budget for the next two years.

    The readiness funding is a $5.7 million investment in EMS both fiscal years, which will result in workforce assistance and education grants for programs and employers to certify new staff. The funds also will support training equipment as well as education for new and existing primary instructors.

    At the EMS Commission meeting, Kinney also announced an Indiana EMS 2025 Vision project that will define what EMS needs to survive and grow into the future. The project will engage state agencies, stakeholder groups from EMS and fire/EMS the EMS Commission, and others.

    “There were many great ideas from the workforce survey we established in May, and it made sense to gather a group to come up with a written vision plan that has the goals that addresses the needs of EMS around the state,” Kinney said.

    ###

    Media Contact:
    IDHS Office of Public Affairs
    pio@dhs.in.gov
    317-234-6713

  • National Preparedness Month Focuses on Emergency Preparedness for Older Adults - September 5, 2023

    September is National Preparedness Month. The goal of this month is to encourage individuals, families and communities to take proactive steps in preparing for various emergencies and disasters. House fires, tornadoes, winter weather and power outages are just a few emergencies that can affect Hoosiers.

    Each member of your family needs to know their role and what to do for each emergency. That includes the older members of your family. The focus of 2023’s National Preparedness Month is preparing for older adults.

    "Just like every member of your family, older adults face great risks when it comes to emergencies, especially if they are living alone, have a disability or live in rural areas. We need to check in on our family members and neighbors before, during and after a crisis to make sure they have the support they need," said IDHS Emergency Management and Preparedness Director Mary Moran.

    This focus underscores the necessity of creating inclusive emergency plans that consider factors like mobility challenges, medical needs and social isolation, which can significantly impact the well-being of older individuals during crises.

    Tips for planning for elderly adults in an emergency include:

    • Plan how you will communicate with older adults if you have a communications need.
    • Plan for food, water and essentials they will need.
    • Plan ahead for transportation if they need help evacuating.
    • Include items that meet their individual needs, such as medicines, medical supplies, batteries and chargers, in their emergency supply kit.

    You can learn more about creating emergency kits and plans on the Get Prepared webpage.

    Media Interviews

    IDHS personnel are available to discuss this topic throughout the month. Contact IDHS Public Affairs at 317-234-6713 or email pio@dhs.in.gov to schedule an interview.

    ###

    Media Contact:
    IDHS Office of Public Affairs
    pio@dhs.in.gov
    317-234-6713

  • U.S. SBA Disaster Loans Available for Counties Affected by Early August Severe Storms - August 31, 2023
    Update: Filing An Application

    Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure website at https://DisasterLoanAssistance.sba.gov/ela/s/. Applicants should apply under SBA declaration #18116.

    Disaster loan information and application forms can be obtained by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (if you are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services) or sending an email to DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov. Loan applications can also be downloaded from sba.gov/disaster.

    Disaster Loan Outreach Center Opening Friday

    Indiana businesses and residents in Orange, Crawford, Dubois, Lawrence, Martin and Washington counties affected by the severe storms and tornado on Aug. 7, 2023, can apply for low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration.

    Businesses and private nonprofit organizations of any size may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory and other business assets.

    Disaster loans up to $500,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $100,000 to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed personal property.

    Application Filing Deadlines

    Physical Damage: Oct. 30, 2023
    Economic Injury: May 30, 2024

    Disaster Loan Outreach Center

    SBA will open a Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC) at 11 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 1, 2023, at the Orange County Community Center. SBA customer service representatives at the center will assist business owners and residents in filling out a disaster loan application, accept documents for existing applications and provide updates on an application’s status. The center will operate as indicated below until further notice:

    Orange County Community Center
    1075 Sandy Hook Road, Suite 2
    Paoli, IN 47454

    Monday-Friday: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
    Saturday: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. 
    Sunday: Closed

    Temporary Closure: Monday, Sept. 4 (Labor Day Observance)

    The center will permanently close on Friday, Sept.15, at 6 p.m.

    ###

    Media Contact:
    IDHS Office of Public Affairs
    pio@dhs.in.gov
    317-234-6713

Press Release Spotlight

New IDHS Structure Elevates EMS to Division

IDHS has designated EMS as one of the five core divisions of the agency. For more than a decade, EMS has existed as a section under Fire and Building Services, administered by the Indiana State Fire Marshal. Learn more in the Sept. 13 press release below.

EMS logo

Spotlight icon Press Release Spotlight

EMS logo
New IDHS Structure Elevates EMS to Division

IDHS has designated EMS as one of the five core divisions of the agency. For more than a decade, EMS has existed as a section under Fire and Building Services, administered by the Indiana State Fire Marshal. Learn more in the Sept. 13 press release below.

Archive

  • 2020
  • 2019
  • 2018
  • 2021
  • 2022
  • 2023