Wisconsin EMS Association Receives 2026 Power of Associations Gold Award for Wisconsin EMS Advocacy
WIND LAKE, WI — The Wisconsin EMS Association (WEMSA) has been honored with a 2026 ASAE Power of Associations Gold Award by the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) in recognition of its outstanding advocacy initiative, Powering Wisconsin EMS: Advocacy That Strengthens Every Community, a program that demonstrates the powerful role associations play in solving challenges, strengthening industries and professions, and improving communities.
The ASAE Power of Associations Awards recognize associations that leverage their unique ability to convene stakeholders, inspire collaboration, and drive meaningful change. Through innovative programs, partnerships, and advocacy efforts, award recipients exemplify how associations create lasting impact that extends well beyond the members they serve.
Wisconsin EMS agencies, especially rural and volunteer services, face workforce shortages, rising costs, inadequate reimbursement, limited mental health support, and limited local funding. WEMSA's advocacy initiative addressed these challenges by engaging members, EMS and fire leaders, local officials, legislators, and partners to turn these challenges into practical statewide policy solutions.
WEMSA's advocacy efforts achieved measurable results, including the passage of 2025 Wisconsin Act 35, which created a statewide reimbursement program for Wisconsin residents pursuing EMS training; expanded PTSD coverage for EMS professionals and firefighters who face the toughest moments daily; increased reimbursement for 911 calls where treatment is provided on scene but no transport occurs; GEMT implementation generating more than $42 million in additional EMS funding; a historic increase in the Wisconsin EMS Funding Assistance Program to $25 million annually; and shared revenue reforms generating more than $272 million in increased municipal funding.
This advocacy work advances WEMSA's mission as Wisconsin's Voice for EMS by strengthening local emergency response, reducing barriers for future responders, supporting first responder wellness resources, and improving the sustainability of emergency care statewide.
"ASAE's Power of Associations Awards recognize the very best of what our community can accomplish," said ASAE President and CEO Michelle Mason, FASAE, CAE, AAiP. "This recognition honors organizations that don't simply advance their own missions - they bring people together to solve complex challenges, strengthen industries and professions, and create lasting benefits for society. Wisconsin EMS Association has demonstrated the vision, leadership, and commitment to make a meaningful difference, and we are proud to recognize Powering Wisconsin EMS: Advocacy That Strengthens Every Community as one of this year's outstanding achievements."
"WEMSA is honored to be recognized nationally for advocacy that produced real results for Wisconsin EMS and the communities we serve," said Alan DeYoung, MHA, MS, CEO/Executive Director of WEMSA. "These wins reflect the power of members, leaders, legislators, and partners working together to reduce barriers, strengthen funding, support responder wellness, and move Wisconsin EMS forward as an industry."
To learn more about WEMSA's advocacy work, visit https://www.wisconsinems.com/take-action.
About The Power of Associations Awards
ASAE's Power of Associations Awards recognize the association community's economic and societal contributions locally, nationally and globally. ASAE will celebrate The Power of Associations Award recipients during its annual Summit Awards Dinner on September 22, 2026, at the National Building Museum in Washington, DC.
About Wisconsin EMS Association
The Wisconsin EMS Association (WEMSA) is Wisconsin's Voice for EMS, a professional membership organization serving EMS professionals, agencies, and departments across the state through advocacy, education, and support resources.
MEDIA CONTACT: Alan DeYoung, Executive Director, alan@wisconsinems.com