NATCHEZ — Merit Health Natchez announced Tuesday plans to sponsor dedicated, on-site ambulances and crews at varsity football games in the Miss-Lou.

A news release from the hospital said that home games and any possible playoff home games will be supported with ambulance services at Trinity Episcopal School, Cathedral School, Natchez High School, Adams County Christian School, Delta Charter School; Vidalia High School and Ferriday High School.

A recent article in the newspaper regarding the lack of consistent ambulance coverage at football games gained the attention of Dr. Dan McCallum, an orthopedic surgeon heavily involved in the sports medicine program at Merit Health Natchez. Merit Health Natchez CEO Eric Robinson agreed with McCallum’s concerns, as well as those voiced by parents and coaches, with the lack of dedicated coverage.

“After meeting with American Medical Response (AMR) and Metro Ambulance Service and determining the number of home games for all seven schools, as well as crews and ambulances needed, I am extremely pleased that our hospital can sponsor a dedicated ambulance and crew for the safety of our local athletes,” Robinson said in the news release. “A dedicated ambulance and crew will remain on site for the duration of each game.”

Local physician Dr. Blane Mire expressed his appreciation fot the hospital’s decision.

“As a parent of a high school football player, as well as a physician, I appreciate the hospital’s understanding of the need for this service and finding a way to make it happen,” Mire said.

Adams County Supervisor David Carter echoed Dr. Mire’s appreciation.

“This is a win-win situation for all entities involved — the county and parishes, the schools and the ambulance crews,” Carter said. “Most importantly in this sponsorship provided by the hospital is the desire for safety among the athletes.”

Headmaster and Head Football Coach at Adams County Christian School, David King, said any measure to support the health of athletes is worth the cost, and he applauds the hospital for not only making the ambulance possible, but also for the help their certified athletic trainers provide year round.

“ACCS is one of several schools in the Miss-Lou that has taken advantage of the sports medicine services the hospital provides free of charge,” King said. “Having a trainer on your campus that works with all student athletes, year round, has had a great impact on the safety of our athletes, and has given coaches and parents an added level of safety and assurance that our athletes are receiving first aid and timely assessments in the case of injury.”