HCHC Foundation embarks on important project

MT. PLEASANT — Henry County Health Center Foundation invites partnership with the public to kick off a new project of purchasing Enhanced Multi-Threat Safety Vests for the safety and security of the Henry County Emergency Medical Services (EMS).

“Each time an EMT or Paramedic responds to an emergency, they are exposing themselves to an unknown situation,” HCHC Foundation Director Mark Hempen said. “While trying to provide lifesaving support, they could be putting their own lives in danger. Not only by weapons, but by physical violence as well. We want them to be able to do their work without hesitation, so it has become important to provide as much protection as possible for the safety of the team.”

The HCHC Foundation will host a special fundraising lunch at Manning Hall of St. Alphonsus Church Saturday, Oct. 14 at 1 p.m. Tickets for the event are $25 each with all proceeds going toward the purchase of vests.

Each Level IIIA+ rated vest costs $750 and is bullet, strike, slash, stab, taser and special threat resistant. Twenty-four vests total are needed to protect the team.

Reservations for the lunch are due Monday, Oct. 2. To reserve your seat or to make a donation to the project, please notify the HCHC Foundation office at 319-385-6541 or email MHempen@greatriverhealth.org.