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Rescue Squad Assistance Fund (RSAF) – Fall 2024 Grant Cycle

Rescue Squad Assistance Fund (RSAF) – Fall 2024 Grant Cycle Open August 1 - September 16, 2024!

The Fall 2024 cycle of the RSAF competitive matching grant program begins on August 1, 2024. OEMS will accept applications from nonprofit licensed EMS agencies and other Virginia EMS organizations pursuant to § 32.1-111.12 until September 16, 2024. The grant period for RSAF is 12 months with January 1, 2025, as the start date, and December 31, 2025, as the end date.

See the Virginia Office of EMS Announcement here: pdf RSAF Grants Fall 2024 Announcement Final 050824 (184 KB)

IMPORTANT RSAF FUNDING UPDATE!

At the August 2, 2024, meeting of the EMS Advisory Board, a motion passed that was submitted by the Financial Assistance and Review Committee (FARC) to add "EMS Medication Management Systems" as part of the cadre of priority funding considerations through the Rescue Squads Assistance Fund (RSAF) grant program. The Fall 2024 RSAF opened on August 1 and remains open until September 16, 2024.

The parameters for submission for such funding may be found on the OEMS webpage under the heading "General Grant Information"

https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/content/uploads/sites/23/2024/08/RSAF-Grants-Program-080624.pdf.

In short, "this priority funding is designed for EMS agencies seeking to establish or improve (upgrade) their medication storage and distribution systems because of the dissolution of regional drug box exchange programs. Funding is not retroactive but is designed to enhance or establish new management systems for EMS agencies by meeting the minimum requirements as established by the Virginia Board of Pharmacy."

Northern Virginia EMS Council staff can provide support during the application process if you need assistance or have questions related to the priority funding. Please contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 877-261-3550.

Updated OEMS Health and Safety & Mental Health materials!

OEMS Mental Health Materials

Printable flyer via PDF - pdf OEMS Mental Health Materials (1.10 MB)

Get full details on the OEMS Website: OEMS Provider Health & Safety

Potential Impact of FDA changes on Drug Box Programs

Cartooned Pelican

This site contains important information updates and resource documents, as well as helpful tools developed by the Virginia Regional EMS Medication Kit Transition Workgroup to assist northern Virginia EMS agencies in successfully navigating the transition from hospital-stocked Regional EMS Medication Kits to EMS Agency stocked kits.

Health Systems are moving towards EMS agency ownership of EMS medications and controlled substance kits due to regulatory changes from the FDA Drug Supply Chain and Security Act of 2013, which is scheduled to be enforceable on November 27, 2024, and the Protecting Patient Access to Emergency Medications Act of 2017, which may ultimately require additional paperwork for the transfer of Schedule II medications.

The northern Virginia regional medication and CSK exchange program currently in practice will end with the FDA DSCSA enforcement changes. Discussions regarding the role of the hospital systems during the transition are underway. Regardless, EMS agencies must understand that they will require a Controlled Substance Registry (CSR) for Class II through VI Medications and an EMS Agency DEA license for the purchase and storage of medications for EMS agency drug boxes.

The Virginia Regional EMS Medication Kit Transition Workgroup created tools in specific categories to assist EMS agencies with the changes. Documents will be added as they are received, so check back frequently for updates!

CSRC and DEA Licensure

Financial Assistance

Hospital System & VSHSP Updates

Policies and Procedures

Purchasing

Resources

Specific questions regarding the medication and CSK exchange changes can be directed to Council staff at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..