Mercy Flight Central to Mark 10 Years of Service in Oneida County This June

This June, Mercy Flight Central will proudly mark 10 years of dedicated service to the residents

of Oneida County — a milestone made possible through strong leadership, trusted partnerships,

and extraordinary community support.

Since beginning operations in Oneida County in 2016, Mercy Flight Central has worked

alongside local EMS agencies, fire departments, law enforcement, and hospital systems to

deliver advanced critical care when and where it is needed most. Every mission represents a

collaboration — and every collaboration reflects a community committed to protecting its own.

As the organization approaches its official anniversary month, Mercy Flight Central is focused

on gratitude.

The organization extends its sincere appreciation to County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. and

the entire Oneida County administration for their continued support of emergency services and

public safety initiatives. Their leadership has strengthened coordination across agencies and

ensured residents have access to life-saving resources close to home.

“Mercy Flight Central has been a vital partner in protecting the health and safety of Oneida

County residents over the past decade,” said Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr.

“Their dedication, skill and collaboration with local EMS, first responders and hospitals ensure

that critical care reaches those who need it most — often in life-saving moments. We are proud

to celebrate 10 years of their service and look forward to continuing this essential partnership for

many years to come.”

“We are incredibly thankful for the partnership and trust of County Executive Picente and county

leadership,” said Lauren Kolb, President and CEO of Mercy Flight Central. “Their commitment

to the safety and well-being of this community directly impacts our ability to serve. This

milestone belongs to the people of Oneida County.”

Guided by its core values — Integrity. Excellence. Compassion. — Mercy Flight Central

remains committed to bringing critical care directly to patients across urban centers and rural

roadways alike. As the organization looks toward the next decade, its focus remains clear:

strengthen partnerships, invest in readiness, and ensure that when the call comes, highly trained

crews are ready to respond.

Join Us in Celebrating 10 Years

In honor of the anniversary month, Mercy Flight Central invites the community to participate in

several events throughout 2026:

May 30 – Clays for a Cause

A day of camaraderie and fundraising in support of local life-saving services.

June 27 – 10-Year Anniversary Community Celebration

A first-time event recognizing the impact made over the past decade and honoring the

partnerships — including county leadership and first responders — that make the mission

possible.

October 2 – Fall Education Day at Vernon Downs Casino Hotel

Featuring safety demonstrations and hands-on learning opportunities for community members

and emergency partners.

October 23 – Trunk or Treat

A family-friendly event celebrating community connection and public safety collaboration.

As June approaches, Mercy Flight Central looks forward to celebrating not just 10 years of

service — but 10 years of partnership, trust, and shared commitment to saving lives in Oneida

County