VERO BEACH — The John’s Island Foundation has awarded an $18,500 grant to the Indian River County Volunteer Ambulance Squad for the purchase of a new minivan to transport ambulatory passengers and those using walkers and canes.
The Foundation raises money from the John’s Island community to provide grants for capital needs and special projects to agencies working to improve the quality of life for those in need in Indian River County.
“This generous grant from John’s Island Foundation will enable the Squad to continue supporting the entire Indian River County community with vital non-emergency transportation for medical appointments,” said Carl Goembel, Squad President.
“The Scion is used for ambulatory passengers who will be elated with our new addition. We’re particularly honored to be recognized by the Foundation for the important services we provide to wheelchair and ambulatory passengers throughout the county,” Mr. Goembel added.
The Volunteer Ambulance Squad is a private, not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization consisting of 50 volunteers who provide free non-emergency transportation to doctor appointments, kidney dialysis, cancer treatments, rehabilitation, and other medical appointments.
The door-to-door service is available to anyone in the county simply by calling in advance and making a reservation. Passengers may be ambulatory or in a wheelchair.
There is no charge for this service, although donations are accepted from passengers on a voluntary basis. However, passenger donations do not begin to cover the Squad’s expenses. Money for gasoline, insurance, maintenance, and other needs is provided through donations from passengers and members of the community.
In addition to regular expenses, new vehicles must continually be purchased. The Squad does not receive any funding from the United Way, county, state or any other government agencies.
In 2011, volunteers made nearly 13,000 trips transporting passengers to medical appointments, logging 128,000 miles on the Squad’s fleet of nine vehicles, all at no cost to taxpayers. The Squad’s number of trips has increased 35% in the past 5 years.
Transportation by the Squad is provided for non-emergency cases only. Anyone with an emergency situation should call 911.
For more information about the Squad or to make a donation, call (772) 231-1230.