Mercy Flights received $350,000 from ACHF for a groundbreaking pilot program
Mercy Flights will launch a groundbreaking pilot program thanks to a generous grant of $350,000 from the Ashland Community Health Foundation (ACHF). The 12-month initiative will bring emergency medical care directly into the home of seniors and veterans across Jackson County while reducing unnecessary emergency department visits.
“We are absolutely thrilled and deeply grateful to receive this funding from ACHF,” said Sheila Clough, CEO at Mercy Flights. “This support is not only a financial investment, it’s a powerful endorsement of the work our team is doing to address a critical gap in health care access and navigation to more affordable care for non-emergent medical needs. We look forward to the impact this pilot will have on the communities we serve.”
The ACHF grant will fund two complementary initiatives:
In-Home Emergency Care
Mercy Flights is launching a pilot program called In-Home Emergency Care, designed to bring urgent medical care directly to seniors and veterans in their homes. These groups often face challenges getting timely care, and this program helps bridge that gap.
Instead of going to the hospital, patients can be treated at home by advanced trained community paramedics. If needed, they can also connect with doctors through telehealth. This means faster care and fewer hospital visits. The goal is to make health care more accessible, personal, and cost-effective, right from the comfort of home.
Alternate Destinations Program
The Alternate Destinations program, launched earlier this year, augments the In-Home Emergency Care program and provides a pathway to transport patients who need additional diagnostic, medical and behavioral health care provided within an urgent care setting. Currently, only a few patients’ insurance plans cover this medical transport to alternate destinations, and most seniors and veteran health insurance plans exclude this coverage. The ACHF grant allows Mercy Flights to expand access to the Alternate Destinations program for qualifying seniors and veterans over the next 12 months.
Outcome data from both the In-Home Emergency Care and Alternate Destination programs will be instrumental in evaluating program impacts and future policy advocacy.
“Mercy Flights identified a creative way to address a critical health need in our community. This initiative reflects exactly the kind of innovative care our community needs. Mercy Flights has demonstrated a strong track record, and we’re confident this pilot will make a meaningful difference. We’re excited to see where this work leads.” – Jeff McCullough, ACHF Board President
The grant reflects ACHF’s commitment to supporting forward-thinking programs that increase access to health care. The foundation’s Board of Directors expressed enthusiastic support for the project and looks forward to visiting the Mercy Flights facility and witnessing the program in action.
Group photo of the ACHF board and staff with Mercy Flights CEO, Sheila Clough by Bob Palermini.
