Point Pleasant, W.Va. — HealthNet Aeromedical Services, in cooperation with Marshall Health Network (MHN), has entered into a Management Services Agreement with the Mason County Commission to provide daily management oversight of Mason County Emergency Medical Services (EMS), effective July 31, 2026. The three-year agreement was announced during the July 30 meeting of the Mason County Commission.
The agreement reflects a collaborative effort to strengthen emergency medical services in Mason County and further enhance community-focused care. Mason County EMS personnel will remain employees of the Mason County Commission while HealthNet Aeromedical Services will assume complete management and strategic planning responsibilities. Informational meetings are scheduled tomorrow to introduce HealthNet leadership and expectations to EMS team members.
A senior director from HealthNet Aeromedical Services, a West Virginia-based not-for-profit critical care transport system, will serve as interim team leader. The interim leader will evaluate operations, support management transition planning, and identify opportunities to enhance service delivery for area residents and businesses. A permanent team leader is being recruited and anticipated to be in place by September 1.
“This agreement reflects a shared commitment to the future of high-quality emergency medical services across Mason County,” said Clinton Burley, president and CEO of HealthNet Aeromedical Services. “With continued growth and significant new business investment throughout the county, the EMS system must be prepared to meet evolving community needs. By combining the dedication of Mason County EMS clinicians with our decades-long operational experience and deep leadership resources, we have an opportunity to strengthen service delivery and build a strong foundation for the program’s future.”
The partnership emerged from discussions which began early this year among leaders from the Commission, MHN and HealthNet. The organization currently manages county EMS agencies in Marshall, Monongalia and Wayne counties, supporting systems that collectively respond to more than 23,000 emergency calls annually. The agreement brings that deep experience and support to Mason County while preserving the agency’s local identity, branding and workforce.
“We are pleased to partner with Marshall Health Network and HealthNet Aeromedical Services on this important initiative,” said Mason County Commission President Rick Handley. “Our priority has always been to foster access to dependable, high-quality emergency medical services for the residents of Mason County. This agreement positions the program for long-term success and prepares the service to meet the county’s growing needs.”
MHN President and CEO Scott Raynes said the initiative strengthens the connection between EMS, Marshall Health Network – Rivers Health and the broader health system, creating new opportunities to enhance coordination and better serve patients and communities across the region.
“A patient’s healthcare journey begins well before they reach a hospital,” Raynes explained. “Emergency medical services are a vital part of that journey. This collaboration creates new opportunities to support our EMS partners, strengthen connections across the continuum of care and enhance the exceptional service our communities rely on.”
As part of the initial county EMS enhancement plan, a new permanent response station is set for development in the Baden community, with an anticipated opening in early 2027. The facility is expected to improve response times to medical emergencies in rural areas of southeast Mason County and create approximately 12 full-time and part-time positions.
About HealthNet Aeromedical Services
Headquartered in Charleston, West Virginia, HealthNet Aeromedical Services is a not-for-profit critical care transport system cooperatively owned and operated by Marshall Health Network, Vandalia Health, and WVU Medicine. The organization serves Central Appalachia from eight helicopter bases across West Virginia. Celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2026, the program has safely transported more than 130,000 patients since beginning operations in 1986. In 2025, the organization became a founding member of Aeroterra HealthSM, a new nonprofit network of healthcare and medical transport partners focused on safety, responsible stewardship, and continuous improvement. To learn more about HealthNet Aeromedical Services, visit www.hnmed.org.
About Marshall Health Network
Marshall Health Network (MHN) is a leading academic health system dedicated to advancing health, inspiring hope and serving families across West Virginia, southern Ohio and eastern Kentucky. MHN unites four hospitals—Cabell Huntington Hospital, St. Mary’s Medical Center, Hoops Family Children’s Hospital and Rivers Health—along with a comprehensive network of primary and specialty services through Marshall Health. In partnership with the Marshall University schools of medicine, nursing and pharmacy and the St. Mary’s schools of medical imaging, nursing, respiratory care and sonography, MHN is committed to delivering clinical excellence, expanding access and providing compassionate care at every stage of life. Learn more at marshallhealthnetwork.org.
