MercyOne Des Moines Awarded Two Prairie Meadows Community Betterment Grants

MercyOne is proud to be the recipient of two Community Betterment Grants from Prairie Meadows, supporting critical advancements in emergency medical services and neurological rehabilitation for Iowans. 

Enhancing Air Medical Safety with Advanced Flight Helmets 

MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center has been awarded a $25,000 grant to purchase and repair Alpha Eagle Dual Visor Flight Helmets for its Air Med crew. These state-of-the-art helmets are essential for ensuring safe and effective communication during emergency air transports, particularly in high-noise environments and nighttime operations.

Many of the current helmets are 8 - 10 years old and are showing signs of wear that can affect the overall performance. The gift from Prairie Meadows will impact our community health through:

- Enabling clear communication between crew members and patients. 
- Enhancing safety for both patients and flight crew. 
- Improving coordination with ground teams and hospitals. 
- Providing night vision capability, which is required starting at 4 p.m.

In 2024 alone, MercyOne Air Med responded to nearly 2,000 emergency calls, including major incidents such as the Perry school shooting and the Greenfield tornado. Equipping the team with modern, personalized helmets ensures they can continue delivering high-quality, safe care in critical moments. The project is expected to impact approximately 2,000 individuals over a six-month period and aligns with Prairie Meadows’ Health & Wellness and Medical Support Services program areas.

Transforming Neurological Rehabilitation with Cutting-Edge Technology

The second grant award supports MercyOne Riverside Rehabilitation’s ability to purchase the Bioness L300 Go system—a groundbreaking wireless electrical stimulation device designed to dramatically improve mobility and reduce fall risks for patients with neurological conditions. This includes individuals recovering from stroke, and those living with Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, or spinal cord injuries. 

The Bioness L300 Go system empowers patients to regain independence and improve their quality of life through advanced medical technology. By enhancing gait and stability, the system supports more effective rehabilitation outcomes and helps patients return to daily activities with greater confidence and safety. 

These grants reflect Prairie Meadows’ ongoing commitment to community betterment and MercyOne’s dedication to delivering innovative, compassionate care. By investing in both emergency response capabilities and long-term rehabilitation solutions, MercyOne continues to elevate the standard of care for patients across Iowa.