Mercy awards rural first responder grants to outlying agencies

For the first time, and in recognition of the critical role first responders play in rural emergency care, Mercy Medical Center is pleased to award Rural First Responder Grants to six area first responder agencies.  The grant will assist with education and resources necessary to provide the best medical care to those in outlying communities.

First responders are often the first to arrive at the scene of an emergency to provide medical assistance. 

“Mercy is proud to offer this grant to further strengthen rural emergency care,” said Melissa Cullum, Mercy’s director of community benefit.  “By building and fostering relationships with area first responders who faithfully serve outside urban cities, we can help ensure the best response in emergency situations.”

Mercy’s Rural First Responder Grant provides a contribution to select organizations requesting equipment to be used for emergency care in the pre-hospital environment, as well as for medical emergency training.

This year’s recipients are:

• Blairstown Volunteer Ambulance - $2,000 to support the purchase of a Power Traxx Stair Chair
• Belle Plaine Area Ambulance - $2,000 to support the purchase of a used ambulance
• Center Point Regional Ambulance Service - $2,000 to support the purchase of trauma simulation equipment
• North Benton Ambulance Service - $2,000 to support the purchase of bleeding control kits for Vinton-Shellsburg Schools
• Monticello Police Department – AED for patrol car
• Urbana Police Department – AED for patrol car

Grant applicants must be first responder agencies demonstrating financial need and be located within the Mercy Medical service area, which includes Benton, Cedar, Delaware, Iowa, northern Johnson, Jones, Linn and Tama counties.