Arnot Ogden Medical Center Receives $2.6M FEMA Grant
ELMIRA, NY (WENY) -- Republican Congressman Nick Langworthy announced on Friday, January 12th, that Arnot Ogden Medical Center in Elmira received a FEMA grant worth over $2.6 million. The money will go towards Arnot Ogden's emergency power system.
"We applied for this [awhile] ago [and] we were working with a local engineering firm [which] brought the opportunity to us," said Vice President of Support Services for Arnot Health, Rosalynn Dudash.
With the FEMA grant, the hospital would replace its 800-kilowatt generator with a 1,000-kilowatt one, a new automatic transfer switch, and the installation of additional power meters. The project will allow the hospital to make upgrades to its current emergency power system.
"The importance of this grant to Arnot is not only is it going to enable us to be able to invest in critical infrastructure, [but also] to make sure we have updated emergency generators that provide continuity of service to our ORs (Operating Rooms) and our Level Three NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit)," said President and CEO of Arnot Health, Jonathan Lawrence.
Lawrence said being able to upgrade this critical equipment ensures patient care isn't interrupted.
"We have one source of power and over the years we’ve seen an increasing number of power interruptions. Nobody wants to be a patient [or have a loved one] in the operating room, in an ICU, on a ventilator, or a newborn in [the] NICU, or receiving any other vital service here and have it be interrupted because of an unexpected power outage. We're very grateful for Congressman Langworthy for his support," said Lawrence.
According to one of Langworthy's staff members, he's had multiple calls with FEMA about the grant for Arnot Ogden, as well as other grants as well. One thing Langworthy is working on is getting as much tax money back to New York's 23rd District, especially the Southern Tier.
In a written statement from Langworthy, he said "In the face of unpredictable weather emergencies, ensuring safety and access to medical care in our community is paramount. The $2.6 million FEMA grant for Arnot Ogden Medical Center marks a critical investment in emergency generators, reinforcing our commitment to saving lives and upholding patient care, especially during challenging winter storms. This funding is a lifeline for this hospital, ensuring its resilience and capacity to navigate unforeseen circumstances with unwavering dedication."