ExxonMobil Makes $500,000 Donation to St. Mary’s Century Project to Benefit CareFlight

ExxonMobil, a natural gas producer in the Piceance Basin, has donated $500,000 to St. Mary’s Century Project to benefit the CareFlight program serving the Western Slope of Colorado.

St. Mary’s CareFlight, a CAMTS-accredited program, is a critical care transport program serving western Colorado and eastern Utah. The program’s Bell 412 EP twin engine helicopter, capable of carrying four patients and four medical professionals, can access remote locations and varied terrains. “CareFlight is an integral part of our Level II Trauma Center. Medical professionals can begin treating trauma victims on the scene and provide critical care during transport to St. Mary’s,” explains Joel Schaefer, M.D., Medical Director St. Mary’s Trauma Program.

When St. Mary’s Century Project expansion is completed, CareFlight’s landing pad, hangar, fueling system, and crew quarters will be located on the rooftop of the new, 12-story, patient care addition. An elevator will deliver patients, personnel, and equipment from the rooftop directly to the new, state-of-the-art trauma and surgical services below.

“ExxonMobil is pleased to support the Century Project and the significant enhancements it provides for CareFlight’s air ambulance service. CareFlight is a vital resource for the residents of the West Slope of Colorado, and our contribution will help St. Mary’s Hospital continue to offer the highest quality medical care to the region,” says James F. Branch, Piceance Project Executive, ExxonMobil.

“This is an amazing gift and one that we are honored to accept,” said Craig Springer, Vice Chair of St. Mary’s Foundation Board.

A check presentation was held on Thursday, September 4, 2008, at 10:30 a.m. at the temporary CareFlight helipad located on St. Mary’s East campus between Wellington and Bookcliff Avenue.