19 Jun STARS Unveil Special Areas Logo on Air Ambulance Helicopter
Community members, students from Youngstown School, and Special Areas representatives gathered at Blood Indian Park on June 17 to celebrate a major milestone: the unveiling of the Special Areas logo on a STARS air ambulance helicopter.
The event celebrated over 30 years of partnership between STARS and the Special Areas Board, highlighting a shared commitment to providing critical, life-saving care to rural communities across southeastern Alberta.
Special Areas first supported STARS in 1989 and has been a dedicated municipal partner. Today, the organization contributes $35,000 annually, with total donations reaching over $590,000. This continuing investment reflects Special Areas strong belief in making sure there are accessible emergency medical services for residents throughout this rural-remote area.
As recognition of Special Areas’ ongoing commitment, STARS named the Special Areas Board as one of the Provincial Leads; Special Areas is the tenth municipality to have its logo displayed on a STARS helicopter. The Special Areas logo will accompany crews on every mission, symbolizing the Board’s ongoing support.
“Today’s unveiling is a powerful symbol of what over three decades of partnership truly looks like, a community coming together to ensure life-saving care is there when it matters most. Special Areas’ extraordinary commitment sets a standard across Alberta and will now be carried with us on every mission, reminding us who we serve and why.” – Dr. John Froh, President and CEO – STARS
Since their inception in 1985, STARS has carried out 279 missions to 21 communities within the Special Areas region. In the past year, between April 1, 2025 and March 31, 2026, STARS completed ten missions serving residents in our communities.
The addition of the Special Areas logo to the STARS air ambulance helicopter serves as both a tribute to the longstanding relationship and a visible reminder of the vital role partnerships play in sustaining emergency services.
