Montclair Ambulance Unit Launches Video Contest, Needs Donations

MONTCLAIR, NJ — The Montclair Ambulance Unit (MAU) is facing a growing budget shortfall amid the coronavirus pandemic. But with the help of the township, the MAU may be able to keep providing a crucial service to the community.

Recently, the squad launched its first-ever video contest, dubbed “Your Life Is Our Mission.” Community members are being invited to create a public service announcement highlighting the MAU’s service to Montclair. The winner will score a $500 prize.

The deadline for submissions was originally Oct. 30, but has been pushed to Nov. 15. Learn more about the contest and see the rules here.

The following information about the contest – and the larger need for donations – comes via the Montclair Ambulance Unit.

THE STORY – “The MAU is Montclair’s first responder to medical emergencies. Whether it’s a case of coronavirus, a broken arm from falling off a jungle gym or a heart attack in the middle of the night, if you dial 9-1-1, Montclair Ambulance Unit responds. We’ve been answering the call around the clock for sixty-five years. MAU is an independent, nonprofit entity. Unlike the Police and Fire departments, we’re not part of the township, so our operations aren’t funded by your tax dollars. Our revenue comes only from insurance reimbursements and charitable donations. Montclair residents aren’t charged a dime for our services! We bill only private or public medical insurance and accept whatever they pay. We don’t ask for a co-pay or bill you for any balance. That’s right – you don’t have to pay us to take you to the hospital. Our highly trained, professional EMTs are heroes. They provide responsive, patient-first care 24/7/365, answering over 3000 calls per year. When most of us were quarantining at home, they knowingly rushed to care for our friends, neighbors and seniors stricken with COVID-19. With caseloads up all over the state, the next wave is already on the way.”

THE CHALLENGE – “The MAU provides a critical, life-saving service to the Montclair community, but since insurance payments cover only a portion of our costs, we rely on donations to make up the difference. Unfortunately insurers are paying us less and less, and with many patients on high deductible plans MAU sometimes receives no payment at all for our services. Our budget shortfall is growing. Without generous donations from the community we serve we can’t pay our EMTs, train them and provide the PPP they need, maintain our ambulances and purchase critical supplies like oxygen tanks and defibrillators. We’re all in this together. An ambulance isn’t exciting or flashy, but there’s nothing more important when a friend or family member is in critical need.”

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