Piedmont Columbus Regional Foundation is proud to announce the arrival of two new neonatal transport units— made entirely possible through philanthropy.

“I am continuously amazed by the generosity of this community. I would like to thank the donors that made it possible for Piedmont Columbus Regional to purchase two new, state-of-the-art, neonatal transport units,” said John Dale Hester, Chairman of the Piedmont Columbus Regional Board of Directors.

Major sponsors for the transport units include Auburn University Dance Marathon, Batson-Cook Construction and the Miracle Riders. The Miracle Riders were able to provide the funds to purchase their ambulance through the continued generosity and support of the ride by Shelby and Wanda Amos, Synovus, Aflac and many others. Additional fundraising efforts were made possible by Walmart, Publix and Columbus State University’s Courgarthon.

The Piedmont Columbus Regional Neonatal Transport team provides stabilization and transport for premature and full-term infants who require a higher level of care. The team consists of nurses and a registered respiratory therapist who have advanced training in neonatal transport medicine. 

“Not only are the new ambulances an asset for the Columbus area, they also give families, physicians and healthcare workers in our region comfort in knowing that we have a safe and reliable means of transporting their babies to our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit here at our Midtown Campus,” said Phillip Eldridge, Neonatal Transport Coordinator. 

On average, the neonatal transport team transports 200 babies annually for a higher level of care. 

“My family knows first-hand the importance of having these assets locally. Sixteen years ago, my youngest son’s life was saved when he was transported via ambulance to undergo emergency surgery when he was only a day-old,” said Hester. 

The transport team provides support and coverage to 21 surrounding counties and 10 hospitals. The program utilizes state-of-the-art equipment specially designed for neonatal transport, mirroring the standard of care found in neonatal units.  

“By having these two new ambulances, the transport team members will have the comfort of knowing that we have the ability to have a positive outcome on many precious little babies for years to come,” said Eldridge.