Eight communities in the Slate Belt in northern Northampton County could join forces to coordinate ambulance services in their area.

Cetronia Ambulance Corps is working on a proposal to provide ambulance coverage to Bangor, East Bangor, Pen Argyl, Roseto and Portland counties, as well as Lower Mount Bethel, Washington and Upper Mount Bethel townships.

Currently, municipalities conclude contracts for medical transport for their respective residents independently or not at all.

Cetronia is headquartered in South Whitehall Township and also has operating locations in Bushkill Township, Nazareth, Lynn Township, Upper Macungie Township, Weisenberg Township and Whitehall Township.

According to John Bermingham, head of the Upper Mount Bethel community, plans are in place to set up operating stations throughout the Slate Belt.

Monthly meetings have been held with local authorities to discuss the introduction of an ambulance service for the entire region, Bermingham said.

Bermingham said it makes sense for the Slate Belt region to coordinate its efforts to provide services to its communities.

“We are trying to find ways to bring the region together,” Bermingham said.

Bermingham said Cetronia has asked each community to provide data on the number of advanced life-saving (ALS) and basic life-saving (BLS) calls. Based on the numbers, the emergency services will prepare a proposal for regional coverage.

Bermingham said the health insurance will have a minimal cost to local taxpayers. Cetronia will collect money from private calls and insurance agencies, he said.

Regional coordination has led to further efforts, Bermingham said.

For example, a free electronics recycling drive is planned for residents of the eight communities on Sunday, August 18, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Mount Bethel Fire Hall, 2341 N. Delaware Dr. (Route 611). The drive will take place at the Mount Bethel Fire Hall.