Media Center
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 12/19/2006 |
Contact: Seandra Sims 302-573-3731 ssims@uwde.org |
COMMUNITY PARTNERS SUPPORT EXPANSION OF FREE MEDICAL TRANSPORTATION SERVICE FOR SENIORS
Generations’ 60+ Program, one of more than 40 health and human service programs funded by United Way of Delaware and AstraZeneca’s “Healthy and Independent Communities” initiative, transports ambulatory residents, ages 60 and older, from their homes to appointments at physicians’ offices, hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities, and returns them home. The program provides a free, reliable alternative to DART Paratransit and other services.
When a similar program was discontinued by American Red Cross in August 2005, United Way of Delaware, AstraZeneca, and Generations Home Care leaders formed a partnership, with AstraZeneca offering an initial $100,000 to ensure that ambulatory seniors did not go without safe, efficient medical transportation services. Previously operated in New Castle County only, the 60+ Program is expanding into lower Delaware after an additional $180,000 contribution from AstraZeneca in August 2006, mostly earmarked for service and the purchase of some vehicles.
"When community, corporate, and government partners come together to address the unmet needs of Delaware residents and their families, the potential to make a positive impact is limitless," said Lt. Gov. John Carney, chair of the Delaware Health Care Commission. "The expansion of this transportation program for seniors is an example of how Delaware-based organizations can support each others' efforts to create better health outcomes for people throughout the state."
“Perhaps the best gift of all during the holiday season is the assurance that our family members, especially those who are vulnerable, have the services they need to live quality lives,” said Paulette Austin, executive director of Generations Home Care. “Thanks to AstraZeneca’s additional investment in our community, we are now able to extend the 60+ Program to the large population of seniors in need in Kent and Sussex Counties.”
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 Delaware residents, and medical appointments must be within the geographic area served (Delaware and nearby communities in Pennsylvania and Maryland).
Anyone can contribute to the success of the 60+ Program through contributions to United Way of Delaware’s Community Impact Fund, 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 in New Castle County, (302) 734-7005 in Kent County, and
(302) 856-7774 in Sussex County, or visit www.ghcde.org.
60+ Senior Medical Transportation Program Partners:
Generations Home Care is committed to providing maintenance and support to nurture independence to improve the quality of life for the aging and disabled. For more information about Generations Home Care, call (302) 658-6744 or visit www.ghcde.org.
United Way of Delaware’s mission is to maximize the community's resources to improve the quality of life for Delawareans. Through its Community Impact Fund, United Way invests in quality programs addressing Delaware's wide range of critical needs, including “Healthy and Independent Communities” initiatives for seniors and persons with disabilities. For more information about United Way of Delaware, call (302) 573-3700 or visit www.uwde.org.
AstraZeneca is a major international healthcare business engaged in the research, development, manufacture and marketing of prescription pharmaceuticals and the supply of healthcare services. It is one of the world's leading pharmaceutical companies with healthcare sales of $23.95 billion and leading positions in sales of gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, neuroscience, respiratory, oncology and infection products. In the United States, AstraZeneca is a $10.77 billion healthcare business with more than 12,000 employees. AstraZeneca is listed in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (Global) as well as the FTSE4Good Index. For more information about AstraZeneca, please visit: www.astrazeneca-us.com