The Virginian-Pilot
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Currituck County has agreed to donate $200,000 toward the purchase of a new Nightingale emergency and medical transport helicopter.
Operated through Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, Nightingale had requested up to $1 million as part of a fundraising campaign for a $7 million aircraft.
The current air ambulance is a 23-year-old Eurocopter BK117, and the program hopes to get the new one in 2011.
Before Monday's vote, the commissioners debated for months whether to give $1 million, nothing or something in between.
"I made what I called a compromise motion, and it passed," Commissioner Vance Aydlett said.
Nightingale first approached Currituck early last year and made another pitch in August.
Nightingale flies more missions to Currituck County than any other area in northeastern North Carolina.
A helicopter flight to the trauma center at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital can take 20 minutes from the Outer Banks, while an ambulance drive through traffic could take two hours.
In 2008, Nightingale flew 634 missions, 233 of which were to northeastern North Carolina.
Currituck County led six other counties in the region in the number of Nightingale on-scene emergency missions – 59, up from 36 in 2007, according to statistics provided by Currituck County Emergency Medical Services.
Jeff Hampton, (252) 338-0159, jeff.hampton@pilotonline.com
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Before we continue doing the
Before we continue doing the math for Curritucks share; you all do realize Sentara is the owner? You know, the people who own the hospitals as well as your insurance company? You know? Optima? The donation was by no means small. The idea they should pay the exact percentage of use is a bit odd. The use of the chopper is in fact billed as any other service would be such as an ambulance.
Also, Mr. Vance Adylett is a fair and thoughtful person. If he made the motion I am sure it was to proceed and get 'er done. He's a good man and a shining star on that commission.
Enough of the handouts
Is Nightingale making a profit for SNGH? If so, why are they asking for handouts? Buying equipment is part of running a business. Let's face it, this helicopter will be purchased whether or not money is raised.
PERFECT
As much as we, Currituck County Residents, shop and work in Virginia, I personally feel $200K is a fair contribution.
Hey Kingfish I agree
Currituck is the 3rd wealthiest county in North Carolina (2nd only the Wake & Raleigh/Durham), you think they could have forked over another $500,000 at least. What the commissioners are planning for is a huge decrease in income from deliquent property taxes and falling fast property values.
Let the wealthy foot the bill, anti up Currituck!
Not Much of a contribution
Considering over 10% of the flights were to Currituck. 10% of $7M equals $700K.