University of Mississippi Medical Center interim IT solutions strategist Jennifer Spane usually walks four times a day, at the Medical Mall and at home, as a reminder of what she almost lost.

The University of Mississippi Medical Center has expanded its AirCare fleet from two to three helicopters, stationing an additional aircraft at Golden Triangle Regional Airport in Columbus and improving access to critical care services to north Mississippi.

The helicopter became operational April 1. Additional bases are located at UMMC's main campus in Jackson and at Meridian.

“Our priority is getting care to the patient,” said Dr. Damon Darsey, associate professor of emergency medicine and medical director of the Mississippi Center for Emergency Services.

The Airbus helicopters, equipped to fly in marginal weather conditions, are supported by Mississippi's only Level 1 trauma care hospital, providing 24/7 in-house neurosurgical and critical-care coverage and total care for every aspect of injury.  The helicopters are paid for through UMMC's hospital patient-care activities, not from state tax dollars.

UMMC is leasing office and hangar space from Airbus at its GTR airport facility.

Ashley Nolen was leaping about the Kolb's Dry Cleaning parking lot in Fondren and squealing. 

And why shouldn't she? It's not every day someone gets to fight childhood cancer and win a Honda Fit at the same time. 

Nolen, a Jackson resident with an aging Toyota, bought a $10 ticket from Friends of Children's Hospital in hopes of winning the car donated by Patty Peck Honda as part of Zippity Doo Dah Weekend.  

Funds raised during the weekend's events went to Friends of Children's Hospital, an organization that raises funds for Batson Children's Hospital. This year, the funds are earmarked for a clean room where life-saving treatments can be mixed for patients at the Children's Cancer Center at the state's only children's hospital. 

"I love Batson Children's Hospital," Nolen said before learning she, as one of 10 key finalists, had chosen the key to unlock her win. "I do anything and everything I can for Batson."

The Medical Center is proud to acknowledge those employees who will celebrate service anniversaries this week:

30 Years

Monte Luehlfing, senior information technology project manager, Information Systems

25 Years

Antonio Tate, senior information technology support analyst, Information Systems

20 Years

Reda Ainsworth, associate information technology business administrator, Information Systems

William Terry, surgical technician, University Hospital (Surgical Suite)

15 Years

Amy Carroll, nurse practitioner, School of Medicine (General Pediatric Surgery)

James Carroll, inpatient nurse, CCH-CICU

Dr. Stacy H. Vance, associate professor of medical laboratory science, School of Health Related Professions

10 Years

Kimberly Bowen, hospital outpatient coder, Coding

Russell Donald, information technology service delivery director, Information Systems

Candice Garnett, medical technologist, Clinical Lab (Chemistry)

5 Years

Melissa Barthold, senior information technology clinical solutions strategist, Information Systems

Patrick Butler, rehabilitation fitter, School of Medicine (Orthopedic Surgery)

Courtney Forsythe, respiratory therapist, University Hospital (Respiratory Therapy)

Betty Harris, professional fee coder, University Physicians (Charge Entry)

Tracy Hayes, PFS supervisor, Internal Access-Pre Arrival

Renata Hughes, HR service center specialist, Human Resources

Christopher Moulds, business systems application coordinator/analyst, Information Systems

Katrina Ransburg, inpatient nurse, Medical Surgical Float

Andrew Sorey, nurse manager, Cardiac Rehabilitation

Dr. Mary B. Taylor, professor of pediatric critical care, School of Medicine

Angela Vertucci, medical office assistant, University Physicians (Internal Medicine-Cardiovascular Select)

Kimberly Washington, access financial coordinator, Internal Access-Admissions

Dr. Tauqeer Yousuf, assistant professor of medicine, School of Medicine

A number of interesting events is scheduled for the upcoming week at the Medical Center.