Chal-Brit EMS Launches Fundraising Campaign to Keep Services Afloat for Central and Upper Bucks Communities

Chal-Brit Regional EMS faces insolvency by the end of the year and is now turning to the community for help. 

The organization’s new campaign — Ready When It Matters Most — aims to “keep Chal-Brit strong, staffed and equipped” through community donations. These funds will directly support the squad’s life-saving equipment, medications and training.

How did we get here

The emergency services provider’s financial crisis was not “one that developed overnight,” according to Clifford Mungavin, Chief of Chal-Brit EMS. In recent years, the organization has seen expenses rise dramatically, while revenue has struggled to keep up.

According to the most recent ProPublica non-profit data, the costs of providing life-saving care for Chal-Brit EMS jumped from $1.3 million in 2023 to $2.1 million the following year. In the same time frame, revenue only increased by $400,000. 

While currently fully staffed and functional, a 2026 Emergency Funding Request warned that without an infusion of $300,000 Chal-Brit EMS will not be able to fund operations or payroll by the end of the year.

The organization has identified $94,000 of potential internal cuts, according to the Bucks County Herald. These would include freezing overtime and suspending retirement matches.

“That gap is real, and it is the root of the challenge we face today,” Mungavin said in a statement.

Emblematic of a national issue

Chal-Brit EMS is not alone in their financial struggles, with this issue affecting communities nationwide.

The average cost of an EMS transport is $2,673, while the reimbursement for that trip is only $1,147. This funding gap leaves providers with a deficit of $1,526 per transport.

Recent spikes in gas prices have further complicated the financial situations of emergency providers. As of May 15 in Pennsylvania, the average price of fuel is $4.65, according to the AAA.

In York, PA., First Capital EMS’s fuel costs have increased 54% from 2025, projecting to pay $123,000 for gas in 2026.

Closing the funding gap

On April 20, Governor Josh Shapiro announced an additional  $6 million proposal for Pennsylvania’s 2026-2027 budget that aims to support struggling EMS squads across the state. This funding would be used to purchase new medical equipment for providers.

Bucks County Emergency Health Services, the regional council Chal-Brit EMS belongs to, has not publicly disclosed how they plan to spend the extra funding.

The municipalities that Chal-Brit EMS serves — Chalfont, New Britain, New Britain Township, Hilltown Township, Warrington, Sellersville and Silverdale — have already begun to provide support for their regional squad. 

Mungavin shared on April 30 that the Hilltown Township Board of supervisors approved an “immediate contribution” to cover an upcoming equipment payment. They also established an advisory committee to develop a plan on how to increase consistent financial support for Chal-Brit EMS.

Additionally, New Britain Township will advance budgeted funds that under normal circumstances would be held until later in the year.

“These are meaningful actions taken by our municipal partners who understand the urgency and share our commitment to keeping advanced life support available in their communities,” Mungavin said. 

The squad’s new community driven campaign now asks residents to help close the funding gap, with a one time or monthly donation.

“Because when the moment comes, we will be there,” the campaign website said. “Help us make sure of it.”