Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Sunday, July 25, 2010
A High-Speed MIssion
Pastor Bill Albright provides comfort in the hospital and at the speedway
Bill Albright never turns down a request for help. It's why even though he's tried to retire—twice—he consistently returns to his calling as a pastor. So when our MedEvac team began providing medical services for Pocono Raceway's NASCAR races seven years ago, Albright didn’t hesitate to join the crew.
At the track, he comforts race-goers who experience a medical emergency. He even played a role in helping one man survive cardiac arrest. "He got from the track to Lehigh Valley Hospital–Cedar Crest in 12 minutes thanks to MedEvac," Albright says. "Now he returns and visits us every year. He even has a tattoo that says, 'seconds matter.'"
Because Pocono Raceway becomes Pennsylvania’s third-largest city (population-wise) on race weekends, the 75-year-old Albright is always on the go. Still, he takes time to provide the support people need. "I always tell family members their loved one is getting the best care available," he says. "Sometimes we pray. Mostly I let people know I'm there for them."
It's been his way of life for more than 30 years. A fulltime pastor at a local United Church of Christ, Albright has been part of the health network's pastoral care team for more than two decades. He also spent 20 years working as an emergency medical technician.
Among his many duties in the health network, Albright baptizes babies in the neonatal intensive care unit, providing peace of mind to families in need. "My passion is pediatrics," Albright says. "When I was a young parent, I saw patients as my children. Now I see them as my grandchildren."
Albright's calling allows him to help hundreds of patients and families. Whether he's inside the hospital or at the speedway, Albright feels at home. "From the doctors to the nurses to the administrators at Lehigh Valley Health Network, everyone works together," he says. "We're like family."
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