| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 12/27/2005 |
Contact: Seandra Sims 302-573-3731 ssims@uwde.org |
COMMUNITY PARTNERS ANNOUNCE FREE MEDICAL TRANSPORTATION FOR SENIORS
The 60+ Program transports ambulatory New Castle County residents, ages 60 years and older, from their homes to appointments at physicians’ offices, hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities, and back home.
Previously operated by American Red Cross of the Delmarva Peninsula, the medical transportation program is currently supported by an initial contribution of $100,000 from AstraZeneca, as well as funding from United Way of Delaware’s Community Impact Fund.
When the previous program was discontinued in summer 2005, United Way of Delaware, AstraZeneca, and Generations Home Care recognized the significant unmet need in the community and formed a partnership to ensure that ambulatory seniors did not go without critical medical transportation services.
“When we realized that some ambulatory seniors would no longer have access to free, adequate medical transportation, we knew we had to do something,” said Paulette Austin, executive director of Generations Home Care. “We are grateful to United Way of Delaware and AstraZeneca for their support,” she said.
“With help from our generous friends at AstraZeneca, Generations was able to pick up where the previous program left off, and is now providing much-needed safe and reliable transportation for some of our community’s most vulnerable citizens,” said Drew Langloh, president of United Way of Delaware. “It’s amazing what can happen when we convene Delaware’s concerned leaders to address a critical health and human service need,” he added.
The 60+ Program is free to participating seniors. Healthcare providers must contact Generations Home Care at least two weeks in advance to arrange transportation. In addition, clients must be residents of New Castle County, and medical appointments must be within the geographic area served (Delaware and nearby communities in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and New Jersey).
Anyone can contribute to the success of the 60+ Program through contributions to United Way of Delaware’s Community Impact Fund, by making donations directly to Generations Home Care, and by sharing information about the program to healthcare providers and potential clients. For more information on the 60+ Program, please contact Generations Home Care at (302) 658-6731 or visit www.ghcde.org.