The latest in a series of MAA roundtable events was held on Friday, Oct. 25 at Mayo Clinic Ambulance in Duluth.

A great crowd of local residents, EMTs, ambulance service providers, elected officials and staff were in attendance for the conversation. Panelists were MAA President Michael Juntunen, Cloquet Area Fire Chief Jesse Buhs, and Minnesota Rural Health Association Executive Director Mark Jones, with the discussion moderated by Kate Raddatz of McClung PR.

Topics included issues facing rural EMS, the role ground ambulance services play in the healthcare system, the impact recent state legislation has had, and recommendations for a sustainable future and continued, equitable access to care for all Minnesotans. Elected officials in attendance included State Rep. Natalie Zeleznikar (HD 3B, Hermantown) and State Rep. Roger Skraba (HD 3A, Ely), as well as Jacob Warkentin from the office of Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-8). Media in attendance included WDIO-TV, Fox 21, and the Star Tribune Duluth bureau. Newly appointed director of the Office of Emergency Medical Services Dylan Ferguson was also there for the conversation.

The next MAA roundtable will be held in Dodge Center on Wednesday, November 20 at 1:00 pm.