The Federal Government has reopened COVIDtests.gov. Every household can order four over-the-counter COVID-19 tests for free. These tests are intended for use throughout the 2024 holiday season to detect currently circulating COVID-19 variants. Please visit COVIDtests.gov for your free test.


Hartford –Department of Public Health (DPH) Commissioner J. Robert Galvin, M.D., M.P.H. will present this year’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Recognition Awards in conjunction with the National Emergency Medical Services Week celebration. The awards ceremony will take place in Room 1C at the Legislative Office Building on Wednesday, May 23rd at 2:00 p.m.


“The dedicated and committed professional and volunteer staff in each of our communities, day-in and day-out, make the EMS system in Connecticut work,” stated Dr. Galvin. “I am grateful for the men and women who provide each of us top quality EMS services twenty-four hours per day, seven days a week.” Governor M. Jodi Rell said, “We owe all of our ‘first responders’ a great debt. They put themselves at risk every day for the sake of strangers. On behalf of the people of our state I want to congratulate the winners of this year’s Recognition Awards and thank all of the men and women who demonstrate such amazing care for the well-being of others.”


The Emergency Medical Services Recognition Awards are sponsored by the Emergency Medical Services: Educational Seminar Foundation, Inc., a non-profit organization that promotes a coordinated and unified Emergency Medical Services System. “Commissioner Galvin’s participation in this awards event demonstrates his recognition of Emergency Medical Services as a vital component of our health care system,” said David Lowell, 1st Vice Chair of Emergency Medical Services: Educational Seminar Foundation, Inc.


Awards will be made in several categories, including the Governor's Annual EMS Organization Achievement Award, Connecticut Public Health Commissioner's Annual Individual EMS System Impact Award, Lifetime Achievement, Lifetime Service, and Service as an EMS Physician. Awardees come from the ranks of individuals that serve their communities as a part of the emergency medical system, whether they serve with a commercial, municipal or volunteer operation.


National Emergency Medical Services Week brings together local communities and medical personnel to publicize safety and honor the dedication of those who provide the day-to-day lifesaving services of the medical "front line." National Emergency Medical Services Week is celebrated during the third week of May each year. The theme of this year’s National EMS Week is Extraordinary People, Extraordinary Service.


The Connecticut Department of Public Health is the state’s leader in public health policy and advocacy with a mission to protect and promote the health and safety of the people of our state. To contact the department, please visit its website at www.dph.state.ct.us or call (860) 509-7270.
 

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