Vermont state officials have ended the RACES program, calling the action taken November 1st [quote] "a move toward streamlining and modernizing our communications systems and volunteer programs to improve coordination and efficiency." [endquote]

Vermont RACES volunteers learned of the decision in a letter to them from Brett La Rose of the state's emergency management office. Hams were instead encouraged to join the state's Medical Reserve Corps program, which is part of the Vermont Department of Health. A number of Medical Reserve Units across the US have a communications component that engages hams in passing emergency radio traffic on behalf of hospitals and other healthcare institutions.

In a letter shared on Facebook by the Green Mountain Wireless Society and other Vermont ham clubs, La Rose wrote that the decision does not reflect on the quality of volunteers but was a move toward greater efficiency.

He added: [quote] "Your contributions to our state have been invaluable." [endquote]