posted October 28, 2025

Assemblymembers Donna Lupardo, Joseph Angelino Thank Crews for 15 Years of Lifesaving Service

SIDNEY, NY – October 28, 2025 – On Friday, Oct. 24, LifeNet of New York 7-8, based in Sidney, welcomed New York State Assemblymembers Donna Lupardo (D-NY District 123) and Joseph Angelino (R-NY District 121) for a special visit recognizing the base’s 15 years of lifesaving service and the critical role of bipartisan legislation in advancing emergency medical care across New York.

Assemblymember Lupardo and Angelino’s support for bipartisan legislation allowing air medical crews to carry and administer blood during flight has been instrumental in providing lifesaving care. Since the bill was passed in 2021, the LifeNet statewide program has administered more than 2,000 units of blood to patients in need across the state, providing better patient outcomes.

“This legislation is an example of what bipartisan collaboration can achieve,” said Assemblymember Lupardo. “When lawmakers work together with organizations like LifeNet of New York, we ensure that communities across New York have access to advanced, lifesaving care, no matter where they live. I’m proud to have partnered with colleagues from both sides of the aisle to support policies that put patient outcomes and public safety first. I can’t thank the LifeNet crew enough for what they do for our community.” 

During the visit, Assemblymembers Lupardo and Angelino met with the flight crew to discuss the continued evolution of air medical care and the vital role LifeNet plays in connecting rural and urban communities to advanced healthcare.

LifeNet 7-8 marked 15 years of service this year and has completed thousands of missions across the Southern Tier and beyond since opening. Operating 24/7/365, the team provides rapid response to cardiac events, strokes, trauma, burns, and other life-threatening emergencies. The helicopter functions as a flying intensive care unit, capable of delivering advanced medical interventions both at the scene and in flight.

Last month, Assemblymember Angelino presented LifeNet 7-8 with a formal citation recognizing the base as a vital community resource and commending the crews for their dedication and lifesaving service.

“In visiting the base again, I wanted to thank the incredible team behind these helicopters. In rural areas, ambulances often have to cover long distances and juggle multiple calls, so getting patients to care within that crucial ‘golden hour’ really matters,” said Assemblymembers Angelino. “That’s where LifeNet of New York makes such a difference. Sometimes, a helicopter is simply the fastest and most effective way to respond.”

LifeNet remains dedicated to providing accessible, affordable emergency care. The program is in-network with most major insurance providers and offers a Patient Advocacy Program to assist patients and families regardless of insurance status, ensuring no one is denied care when they need it most.

“Our mission is simple—save lives and serve communities,” said Amber Hontz, LifeNet business manager and former flight paramedic for LifeNet 7-8. “Partnerships with leaders like Assemblymembers Lupardo and Angelino help make that mission possible. Their bipartisan support ensures that innovation, access, and patient care remain at the forefront of emergency medicine in New York.”