Plaistow secures $2M to establish new advanced life support program after abrupt service termination

During the Plaistow Board of Selectmen meeting on December 30, 2024, significant discussions centered around the future of the Advanced Life Support (ALS) program, which has been a critical service for the community and surrounding areas. The meeting highlighted the urgent need for sustainable funding following the abrupt termination of ALS services by Beth Israel Leahy Health and Exeter Health Resources, which had provided these essential services for over 30 years.

Janet Stevens, the executive councilor for District 3, emphasized the importance of the ALS program, which serves approximately 68,000 residents across 281 square miles. The sudden cessation of these services raised alarms among local first responders and fire departments, as it jeopardized access to advanced pre-hospital care for a significant portion of Rockingham County. Stevens noted that without the ALS program, over 30% of the county's residents would lose access to critical emergency medical services.

In response to this crisis, the town of Plaistow has accepted funding to establish a new municipal ALS program. The initial costs of this program are estimated at $3.4 million, with the New Hampshire Department of Justice negotiating $2 million from the healthcare system to cover the startup costs. Stevens also mentioned the potential for additional funding from the Healthcare Consumer Protection Trust Fund, which could provide further financial support.

The meeting underscored the collaborative efforts among local leaders to secure funding and ensure the continuity of vital emergency services. The Board of Selectmen discussed the importance of maintaining a fee structure for the ALS program, which would initially rely on user fees and grants from participating towns. However, it was made clear that Plaistow would not bear the financial burden alone, as the town is not expected to fund the program indefinitely.

As the community navigates this transition, the focus remains on establishing a sustainable model for ALS services that can adapt to the changing healthcare landscape. The discussions at the meeting reflect a proactive approach to addressing public health needs while ensuring that local taxpayers are not disproportionately impacted. The next steps will involve finalizing funding agreements and implementing the new ALS program to safeguard the health and safety of Plaistow residents and neighboring communities.