Congresswoman Claudia Tenney Visits Mercy Flight Central to Discuss Future of Regional Emergency Medical Care
Mercy Flight Central recently welcomed U.S. Congresswoman Claudia Tenney to its Canandaigua headquarters for a discussion focused on the vital role of air medical services, the evolving needs of rural healthcare, and opportunities to strengthen emergency medical care throughout the Finger Lakes, Central New York, and Mohawk Valley regions.
During the visit, Congresswoman Tenney met with Mercy Flight Central leadership and team members to learn more about the organization's operations, regional impact, and commitment to clinical excellence. Conversations also addressed broader issues affecting the air medical industry, including healthcare reimbursement, federal policy, and the importance of sustaining reliable access to advanced critical care in rural communities.
"Access to lifesaving critical care should not depend on where someone lives," said Lauren Kolb, President and CEO of Mercy Flight Central. "Air medical services are an essential part of our region's healthcare infrastructure, yet providing these services comes with significant financial and operational challenges. We appreciated the opportunity to share those realities with Congresswoman Tenney and discuss the importance of developing sustainable solutions that protect access to care."
Founded in 1992, Mercy Flight Central is an independent nonprofit air medical provider that has served more than 18,500 patients. Operating around the clock, the organization works alongside hospitals, emergency medical services, and first responders to connect patients with advanced critical care when they need it most.
The visit provided an opportunity to highlight Mercy Flight Central's continued investment in its people, clinical capabilities, and collaborative partnerships, as well as the important role federal leaders play in shaping policies that support access to emergency medical care.
"As we look toward the future, our focus is not simply on sustaining the services we provide today, but on building a stronger, more connected emergency medical system for tomorrow," Kolb added. "Engagement with leaders at every level of government is an important part of that work."
Mercy Flight Central extends its appreciation to Congresswoman Tenney for her visit and thoughtful engagement in conversations about the future of critical care services.
About Mercy Flight Central
Founded in 1992, Mercy Flight Central is a nonprofit air medical service that provides high quality emergency medical transport to the critically ill and injured. Mercy Flight Central's highly skilled medical teams respond with ICU-level care when time is of the essence. MFC delivers advanced critical care services directly to the patient, whether on the scene of an accident or in a small hospital. Operating 24 hours a day and seven days a week, Mercy Flight Central is dedicated to serving the communities of upstate New York and beyond.