Robbie Lawson for EMS

Dear Editor,

Our Emergency Medical Services on San Juan Island are essential to our community. Without them, lives will be lost and “normal” emergencies will become critical and potentially fatal. There have been a lot of misunderstandings regarding the funding for EMS and Peace Island Medical Center.

It is essential to understand that they are in no way partners in funding. EMS has no financial relationship with Peace Island Medical Center. The decline in real estate taxes and lower reimbursements from Medicare and Medicaid have made the 2010 tax rate of 35 cents per $1000 of assessed property value no longer feasible for operating SJIEMS.

Passing the EMS levy at 50 cents per $1000 will ensure continuity of services that are basic and critical. Our team of paramedics and EMTs has one of the highest cardiac save rates in the country. We are blessed to have such devoted and skilled emergency personnel on San Juan Island. Saving EMS means saving ourselves.

Vote YES.

Robbie Lawson
Friday Harbor