Matador Consortium Partners with Texas Organ Sharing Alliance: Pioneering Drone Highways to Strengthen Communities and Revolutionize Rural Healthcare Access

San Antonio, Texas - [October 26, 2023] - The Matador Consortium, in collaboration with Texas Organ Sharing Alliance (TOSA), showcased the power of drone technology in transforming rural healthcare access during an open house event held on October 24th, 2023, at TOSA headquarters in San Antonio. This discussion focused on how uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) could help transport organs and tissue to and from rural areas, potentially improving healthcare access for the 60+ million people living in rural communities across Texas and the United States. (Zoom recording here)

The event featured two drones from Swoop Aero. The first Swoop aircraft was a 4th generation Kookaburra that supported Rural Healthcare Mission in Africa since 2019. In Malawi alone, the 4th Generation aircraft conducted over 25,800 medical missions and flew 220,000 miles over the past 3 years. The second Swoop aircraft was the new 5th Generation replacing the Kookaburra with increased capabilities. More than 26,000,000 Africans have benefitted from health drone services since 2016.

"The utilization of unmanned aerial systems for transporting organs and related tissues plays a vital role in expediting and enhancing the dependability of organ transportation, particularly in rural regions like West Texas and nearby areas.” noted Dr. Joseph Nespral, CEO of TOSA, underscoring the significance of this technology in facilitating vital healthcare services, particularly in underserved regions.

Drones have already proven their worth in delivering medical supplies, transporting samples, and ensuring the timely provision of healthcare services in remote and inaccessible regions. In addition to overcoming healthcare inequities, the drones are expected to generate jobs, facilitate infrastructure inspection, and contribute to K-12 STEM programs.

"We are excited to partner with Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, TOSA, LifeGift in Houston, Southwest Transplant Alliance in Dallas, and LifeShare in Oklahoma City as we demonstrate the remarkable strides we're taking in transforming access to healthcare in rural areas," stated Tyson Harmon, Co-founder of Matador UAS Consortium. "This collaboration marks a significant achievement in our ongoing efforts to create efficient and secure 'Drone Highways' for the seamless delivery of critical medical supplies and services to underserved rural regions.”