Health Care Foundation Partners with Hospital District for Whole Blood Project
July 23, 2025 – Sulphur Springs, Texas – The Hopkins County Health Care Foundation has donated $12,500
toward the $25,000 whole blood program that the Hopkins County Hospital District/EMS will be launching soon to benefit the community.
This will aid patients experiencing hemorrhagic shock from trauma and other medical emergencies. Due to the size of the county, transport time can be longer than in an urban setting. The availability of whole blood while in transport to the hospital will be lifesaving.
“The Foundation is not a medical organization; rather, our role is to support the work of the medical community by helping them acquire the equipment and facilities they need to better serve Hopkins County citizens,” said Pam Black, chair of the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation Board of Directors. “We are glad we could assist the District with funds they require to have immediate access to whole blood when needed.”
The funds will be used to purchase two FDA-approved transport coolers, two IV transfusion warming systems, supplies, safety equipment, and training materials. The District is targeting October to have the program in use.
Brent Smith, CEO/EMS Director, shared, “Hemorrhagic shock is one of the leading causes of preventable prehospital deaths. Hopkins County EMS responds to an average of four hemorrhagic shock cases a month. The whole blood program will have a positive impact on our ability to save lives. We appreciate our partner, the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation, for funding our request.”
The Hopkins County Health Care Foundation has served the community for 28 years because Hopkins County residents deserve access to great local healthcare. In addition to providing education, free clinics, and other impactful services, the Foundation also raises funds to assist the Hopkins County Hospital District/EMS and CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs.

Hospital District/EMS to help purchase necessary equipment to start a whole blood program to
benefit ambulance patients in need of whole blood transfusions while in transport to the hospital.
Representatives of both organizations met for a commemorative photo. Pictured from left to
right: Brent Smith, Joe Bob Burgin, Paul Harvey, Dr. David Black, Kenny Rogers, Pam Black,
Kerry Law, Chris Brown, Rosario Mejia, Kristi Shultz, Heather Johnson, Clay Harrison, Jessica
Kultgen, and Mickey McKenzie.