New EMT and Local EMS Department Helped by Northwest Michigan Works! and MiLEAP

May 12, 2023

Hannah Gallihugh decided she wanted to pursue a career in emergency medical services while she was a student in the Public Safety program at the Wexford-Missaukee Career-Tech Center in Cadillac. After she graduated from high school, Hannah enrolled in paramedic training In Traverse City. That’s when she found out about an opportunity to get EMT training at no cost being offered through a partnership between Missaukee County EMS and Northwest Michigan Works! The funding for the training was provided by MiLEAP, the Michigan Learning and Education Advancement Program.

“I’m very fortunate that I was able to focus on my studies instead of working at the time,” said Gallihugh. “Michigan Works! helped me get that education.”

After she completed the EMT training, Hannah landed a full-time job as an EMT with Mobile Medical Response in Traverse City and a part-time EMT position with Missaukee County EMS. She’s also continuing her Paramedic training. Besides helping Hannah on her career path, the MiLEAP funding has also helped Missaukee County EMS offer three different training courses to help them and other departments fill EMT positions.

“We have a national shortage of providers right now,” said Aaron Soggee, Missaukee County EMS Director. “If you look in the rural areas, even some of the urban areas, there’s numerous vacancies for the various positions of EMT and Paramedic. So to be able to bring the funding source in and then to host something local, it’s been a huge help and a huge success for us.”

“I would absolutely recommend going through Michigan Works!,” said Gallihugh. “I do believe that they’re interested in putting more EMTs through the program. It’s a wonderful opportunity to have a free education without having to worry about the cost. It really makes a difference in your education.”

Watch the video below to hear what Hannah and the Missaukee County EMS Director have to say about Northwest Michigan Works! and MiLEAP.