October 23, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Emily Nichols
Enichols@ambulance.org

Congresswoman Marie Gluesenkamp Perez Receives 2026 Legislative Recognition Award

Washington, DC — October 23 — Congresswoman Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA) has received a 2026 Legislative Recognition Award from the American Ambulance Association (AAA) for her continued leadership and commitment to strengthening the emergency medical services (EMS) workforce and supporting ambulance service providers and the communities we serve nationwide.

“When you call emergency services, the people who respond bring with them a unique combination of skill and bravery that you can’t get anywhere else. In rural areas–where we don’t take healthcare access for granted–the passions of public service and community building mean everything.” said Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez. “Thank you to the brave men and women at Medix Ambulance for taking the time to talk with me about the challenges facing EMS workers every day. I’m proud to continue making the investment needed to build a capable and durable workforce in such a vital field.”

As the EMS profession continues to face significant workforce challenges, Congresswoman Gluesenkamp Perez has advocated for solutions to recruit, train, and retain EMS professionals. Her introduction of the PARA-EMT Act demonstrates her commitment to addressing workforce shortages and ensuring communities have access to essential emergency medical care.

“Congresswoman Gluesenkamp Perez has done an outstanding job advocating for policies that strengthen the EMS workforce and advance commonsense solutions to help us provide care to our communities,” said Adrienne Brown, Paramedic and General Manager of Medix Ambulance, which serves communities in Longview, Ilwaco, and Chehalis, Washington. “Her understanding of the challenges facing ambulance services and her commitment to finding meaningful solutions make a real difference for the professionals and patients we serve.”

The PARA-EMT Act aims to strengthen the EMS workforce through recruitment, training, and retention initiatives. The legislation also includes provisions to help military combat medics transition into civilian EMS careers, recognizing their valuable experience and creating additional pathways into the profession.

Congresswoman Gluesenkamp Perez was presented with the award on October 21, 2026, by Adrienne Brown, Paramedic and General Manager of Medix Ambulance, and Mike Battis, AAA Board Member and President of the Washington State Ambulance Association, on behalf of AAA.

Congresswoman Gluesenkamp Perez is among 32 members of Congress selected to receive AAA’s 2026 Legislative Recognition Awards for their leadership and continued support of EMS and mobile healthcare. The awards will be presented over the coming months, including during the Stars of Life celebration, taking place November 16–18 in Washington, DC, which honors outstanding EMS professionals from across the country.

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About The American Ambulance Association

Caring for People—First.

The American Ambulance Association safeguards the future of mobile healthcare through advocacy, thought leadership, and education. AAA advances sustainable EMS policy, empowering our members to serve their communities with high-quality on-demand healthcare. For more than 40 years, we have proudly represented those who care for people first.