SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb., - Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska board member Todd S. Sorensen, MD, MS, recently selected the Western Nebraska Emergency Care Connection to receive a $4,500 gift in his name as part of the company’s Board Directed Contributions Program.

Sorensen, president and CEO of Regional West Health Services, designated his board-directed donation to the Emergency Care Connection campaign to help raise the money needed to upgrade the panhandle’s emergency communications system.

The Western Nebraska Emergency Care Connection campaign is a joint effort by western Nebraska hospitals and emergency health care providers to raise nearly one million dollars to meet an FCC-required conversion of emergency communications equipment by January 1, 2013. Donations to the campaign are tax-deductible.

The funds will be used to convert existing wide band communications equipment to narrow bandwidth. This includes purchasing new narrow band radios for all licensed emergency medical providers and hospitals. In addition, a new repeater will be installed near Lakeside Neb., which has long been a communications “dead spot.” Six towers will be added to the regional emergency communications network and the entire system will be connected to the new Rural Nebraska Healthcare Network fiber optic network. Microwaves will also be added to all repeater towers to make the system redundant and to allow for seamless roaming.

“This conversion and upgrade will enhance emergency communication between EMS providers and hospitals for the benefit of everyone who lives, works, and travels in western Nebraska,” said John Massey, Chairman of Regional West Foundation.

The Western Nebraska Emergency Care Connection campaign involves hospitals, foundations, and EMS services in 16 western Nebraska counties, including: Arthur, Banner, Box Butte, Chase, Cheyenne, Dawes, Deuel, Garden, Grant, Keith, Kimball, Morrill, Perkins, Scotts Bluff, Sheridan, and Sioux.

“Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska is committed to giving back to the customers and communities it serves,” said Celann LaGreca, senior vide president of Corporate Strategy and Community Investment. “We make a concentrated effort to support initiatives and programs that promote healthier and happier communities throughout the state.”

According to campaign committee member Randy Meininger of Scottsbluff, the Western Nebraska Emergency Care Connection campaign can easily meet its goal with community support.

“If everyone living in western Nebraska would contribute just $10, we’d have the money we need to upgrade the emergency communication system throughout the entire Nebraska panhandle,” said Meininger.

For additional information about the Western Nebraska Emergency Care Connection, contact any panhandle hospital or call 308.630.1485.

Donations to the Western Nebraska Emergency Care Connection campaign are tax-deductible. To make a contribution, please send a check to the Western Nebraska Emergency Care Connection, P.O. Box 1844, Scottsbluff, Nebraska 69361.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, insures or provides benefit administration to more than 717,000 people. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska is a mutual insurance company created for and committed to providing the health and wellness solutions that people value most.

Regional West Health Services, Scottsbluff, Neb., is the parent company for Regional West Medical Center and Regional West Physicians Clinic. These organizations, with over 1,800 employees, provide comprehensive and innovative health care services for the people and communities of western Nebraska and the neighboring states of Colorado, South Dakota and Wyoming. With over 110 active physicians, 95 percent of whom are board certified or board eligible, plus an additional 25 consulting specialists, the Regional West family of health care organizations offers care that spans more than 30 medical specialties.