MICHIGAN CITY – Franciscan Health Michigan City is expanding its partnership with local law enforcement with the donation of emergency equipment backpacks and CPR gear for all LaPorte County Sheriff’s Office vehicles.
The 70 large, red backpacks will be used to consolidate a variety of individual emergency response items the officers carry in their vehicles, including 100 Ambu bags donated by Franciscan Health Michigan City to assist in administering CPR. Other items the backpacks will hold include automatic external defibrillators (AEDs), Narcan kits to treat drug overdoses, personal protective equipment such as gloves and masks, basic first aid items and Stop the Bleed kits.
Law enforcement officers are often the first to arrive at a scene where individuals require medical attention. When trained and equipped with the proper gear, early intervention can help save lives. Consolidating the items into one backpack can save time when seconds matter.
Sister M. Petra Nielsen, vice president of mission integration for Franciscan Health’s Northern Indiana division, coordinated the purchase of the backpacks from the Mission fund she manages.
“When they reached out to me, the decision to help was easy because there is such an important partnership between Franciscan and law enforcement,” Nielsen said. “They are always there to help us and support us when we need them. These bags help support our Franciscan values of respect for life by helping these officers help others in need when seconds count.”
Every law enforcement vehicle in LaPorte County is equipped with an AED thanks to the support of Franciscan Health in partnership with Bolt for the Heart and the Play for Jake Foundation.
“You folks are incredible partners,” LaPorte County Sheriff’s Office Administrative Capt. Derek Allen said. “We can’t thank you enough for your generosity.”
Franciscan Health Michigan City President and CEO Dean Mazzoni thanked the Sheriff’s Office, “for all you do for our communities each and every day.”
The Mission Fund is supported by donations to the Franciscan Health Foundation and sales in the Franciscan Health Michigan City gift shop, located in the lobby. Donations can be made online at https://www.franciscanhealthfoundation.org/ or by calling (219) 661-3401.
Caption: Franciscan Health Michigan City President and CEO Dean Mazzoni, LaPorte County Sheriff’s Office Administrative Capt. Derek Allen, LaPorte County Sheriff’s Office Captain Dallas Smythe and Vice President of Mission Integration for Franciscan Health’s Northern Indiana Division Sister M. Petra Nielsen display emergency equipment backpacks donated by the hospital to the Sheriff’s Office.
