instED Partners with Mercy Flights to Enhance In-Home Emergency Care in Southern Oregon

Partnership Announcement

Enhancing Emergency Response

BOSTON, August 12, 2026 – instED, a Mobile Integrated Health provider based in Massachusetts, has officially partnered with Mercy Flights to enhance in-home emergency care in Southern Oregon. This collaboration leverages the expertise of both organizations to implement new healthcare delivery models aimed at improving patient outcomes while expanding access to essential services.

The initiative is part of a broader effort supported by the Oregon Health Authority's Catalyst Grant, awarded to Mercy Flights through the Rural Health Transformation Program. This grant assists in streamlining emergency care by emphasizing the importance of providing timely evaluations for patients outside conventional hospital settings. The initiative will run from July 1, 2026, to September 30, 2028 and prioritizes care that can be delivered in the community, specifically within patients' homes.

Role of instED

InstED's contributions will focus on several key areas:

- Nurse Navigation: Experts that help guide patients through the healthcare system and coordinate necessary services.
- Telehealth Physician Support: Access to healthcare professionals who can consult with patients remotely, ensuring immediate support is available when needed.
- Technology-Enabled Care Coordination: Utilizing advanced technologies to ensure seamless communication among field clinicians, medical oversight, and follow-up services.

This approach is particularly beneficial for patients who require medical evaluation but do not necessitate immediate hospital care. With specially trained clinicians providing at-home assessments, patients can receive guidance about further treatment or access to appropriate healthcare services, reducing unnecessary hospital visits while enriching the overall healthcare experience.

Vision for Rural Health

The collaboration reflects a commitment to improving rural healthcare frameworks through innovative strategies. Mercy Flights brings decades of experience to the table, having long advocated for localized emergency care solutions.

"Mercy Flights has a deep-rooted history in championing innovative care methods to support patient needs, particularly in underserved areas," states Don Stiffler, CEO of instED. "We are excited to join forces with the Mercy Flights team, focused on providing impactful healthcare solutions to the community of Oregon."

Local Leadership and Infrastructure

Leading this initiative, Mercy Flights will establish the groundwork in Southern Oregon, underpinned by instED's operational and clinical support. By collaborating, both organizations aim to facilitate a model that reinforces existing healthcare systems rather than replace them.

"This grant highlights growing awareness of the need for innovative healthcare delivery. The ongoing evolution in care models reinforces our dedication to improving patient outcomes while bolstering the healthcare infrastructure," says Sheila Clough, CEO of Mercy Flights. "We appreciate the recognition from the Oregon Health Authority and the support from partners who have been essential in bringing this vision to fruition."

Expanding instED's Care Model

InstED has established itself as a leader in providing episodic healthcare directly in patients' homes. The company’s model combines comprehensive resources and technology to ensure an integrated approach where services are effectively coordinated across the patient care team. By partnering with Mercy Flights, instED can adapt their successful care-in-place model to the unique needs of Southern Oregon's communities, enhancing existing emergency Medical Services (EMS) capabilities without necessitating additional buildouts of clinical and technological infrastructures.

Conclusion

As instED and Mercy Flights embark on this important partnership, they carry the shared commitment to improving healthcare in rural regions. Their synergy aims to create a sustainable healthcare delivery model, ensuring patients receive the timely and effective medical intervention they need from the comfort of their homes. For more information about instED's innovative healthcare approach, visit instED's website. Likewise, learn more about the essential services offered by Mercy Flights at Mercy Flights.