Board awards county EMS contract to AdventHealth EMS, beginning Feb. 1, 2027

Blake Hodge, Walker County EMS coordinator, recommended the board award the county’s emergency medical services contract to AdventHealth EMS following a competitive request for proposals. Hodge said five proposals were received and that AdventHealth’s submission — proposed at roughly $600,000 for an initial term that could run five years — offered strong employee benefits, training capacity and regional integration. "We were extremely impressed with their professionalism, their leadership, their commitment to the service they provide," Hodge said.

Representatives from AdventHealth described local EMS investments planned, including a paramedic-training program the company funds and operates for its staff, community engagement and command capability for large events. Scottie Hancock, AdventHealth executive director for community advocacy in the Georgia market, said the organization intends to "invest in the community" and highlighted regional operations in nearby counties as reference points.

Commissioners discussed the contract term and start date; Hodge clarified a proposed start date of Feb. 1, 2027, and said the five-year recommendation would allow the contractor to recover capital investments and stabilize services. The board voted unanimously to award the contract and welcomed AdventHealth as the county’s EMS provider.