Life Flight Network - Portland Oregon helicopter and fixed wing medical transport service

Letter from the Executive Director


Hello Everyone,

Thank you for viewing the Life Flight Network website. As you can see, there have been lots of changes within our organization over the last few months, including the introduction of this new website.

These are times of excitement and growth for us, but it is also a time to reflect on where we have been and the many, many people who have helped get us to this point. Effective October 1, 2007, the Life Flight Network will become its own legal entity, known officially as 'Life Flight Network, LLC'.

Just a little history - for the first 15 years of our existence, beginning in 1978, Life Flight was owned and operated by Emanuel Hospital. In 1993, ownership of Life Flight was shifted to a consortium of the three largest health systems within Oregon, Oregon Health Science University (OHSU), Legacy Health System, and Providence Health System. To recognize the importance of these relationships, Life Flight changed its name to Life Flight Network.

The consortium partners decided several years ago, the successful future of our organization depended upon its ability to grow and expand at a rate necessary to keep up with the rapidly changing prehospital environment, while continuing to provide safe, rapid, and compassionate transport in a critical care environment.

In order to best achieve this growth, the owners decided it would be best to give birth to an entirely new legal entity - Life Flight Network, LLC - still owned and operated by OHSU, Legacy Health System, and Providence Health System, but with the independence to expand at a rate necessary to ensure its long-term survival. We have always been, and continue to be, a not-for-profit enterprise. It is through the generosity of the consortium owners and the continued support of the many Life Flight Network members, we have been able to thrive and expand.

Thank you for your support; especially those individuals and families who continue to maintain their membership in our organization. If you are not already a member, I ask you to visit the membership page of our website and take this time to enroll. Membership has numerous benefits and your coverage will extend throughout many areas of the Northwest through cooperative agreements with other not-for-profit flight programs. It could be your life, or the life of a loved one we are called upon to save next. Help us continue this vital mission by becoming a member today.

Please enjoy our new website!

Michael Griffiths, RN
Executive Director