Lifesavers Came Out for Community Blood Drive

Over 50 lives potentially saved thanks to AIRHeart blood drive

MARIANNA, FL - May 4, 2026 - Residents of Jackson Couty were heroes last week when they donated blood at AIRHeart 2 emergency air medical program's community blood drive. An impressive eighteen people came to donate during the six-hour event at the Oak Station Shopping Mall on April 27. Since each donation has the ability to save up to three recipients, approximately 54 patients can benefit thanks to the selflessness of these donors.

The blood drive was held in conjunction with LifeSouth Community Blood Centers, which supplies the blood AIRHeart 2 carries on its air medical helicopter. The program's highly skilled flight nurses and paramedics can administer blood to patients in flight, greatly increasing the chances of survival for those suffering from severe blood loss.

"People really enjoyed donating knowing that their donation is going to directly benefit their community once it is processed," said AIRHeart 2 Flight Nurse Hanna Purvis. "AIRHeart, 2 as well as Jackson County Fire Rescue, receive their blood products from LifeSouth, so that encouraged more people to give in hopes of saving lives right in their own community."

Members of Jackson County Fire Rescue also donated blood, so their ambulance and fire trucks were on site for people to see, along with AIRHeart's helicopter.

"The ability to give patients blood quickly in an emergency is critical," said Air Methods Area Manager Dot Mercer. AIRHeart 2 is part of Air Methods, the nation's leading air medical service provider. "Donations make it possible for us to carry blood on board our aircraft and administer it to patients in life-threatening situations. We are truly thankful for the donors who make this possible."

Air Methods is committed to providing air medical services to all members of the communities it serves and is in-network with most major health insurance providers across the country for emergency air medical services. Additionally, their patient advocacy program works with all patients, regardless of insurance, to ensure affordability. Air medical memberships are not required to be transported by any provider.