Local Pilots Flyover St. John's Regional Medical Center to Thank Frontline Coronavirus Health Care Workers

OXNARD, CA – April 25, 2020 – The health care team at St. John's Regional Medical Center (SJRMC) received a message of thanks from high above on Saturday, April 25, as four airplanes performed a synchronized flyover as a symbol of appreciation for frontline workers.

The pilots who orchestrated the flyover took to the skies in a nod to medical professionals serving amid the coronavirus pandemic. Several of the pilots, having once served on the military frontlines, came together in a show of solidarity.

"This is our way of thanking the care team at St. John's and all health care workers for all that they are doing to care for the community," said Michael Malaco, pilot and lead organizer of the flyover. "We thought, what better way to show our appreciation than with an aerial tribute."

As the flight formation flew over SJRMC, staff stood outside in awe and appreciation of the special recognition.

"The community outpouring for our health care team has been incredible," said Darren Lee, President and CEO of St. John's Regional Medical Center and St. John's Pleasant Valley Hospital. "We are grateful for our community's continued show of appreciation and support."

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About Dignity Health St. John’s Regional Medical Center
St. John’s Regional Medical Center is a 265-bed acute care, award-winning facility. Serving Ventura County for more than one hundred years, St. John’s is the first and only Certified Thrombectomy-Capable Stroke Center in Ventura County and a recipient of the American Heart Association’s, Get with the Guidelines-Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award. Designated as a STEMI Receiving Center, St. John’s is highly recognized in the community for excellence in cardiac care and has been named a Blue Distinction Center for Cardiac Care by Blue Shield of California. Our Cancer Center is accredited by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer, and our Integrated Breast Center is accredited by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers. SJRMC houses a comprehensive Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, providing specialized care to the tiniest patients as well as a Beacon Award-Winning Intensive Care Unit. Each hospital is supported by an active philanthropic Foundation to help meet the growing health care needs of our communities. 

Learn more at dignityhealth.org/stjohnsregional.