SC New York News

Local health care access has been improved as the Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital, Towanda Campus Auxiliary has donated over $63,000 for a paratransit vehicle, enhancing Guthrie EMS's community services. This vehicle is crucial for patients in need of wheelchair assistance to attend medical appointments, providing essential access to treatments such as dialysis. The service addresses the challenges faced by those with physical limitations or transportation barriers.

Guthrie EMS Paratransit assists around 500 patients each month. Beyond transport, the program offers outings for patients in Guthrie's skilled nursing and progressive care units, contributing positively to their recovery journeys with activities like holiday light tours.

This donation is timely, addressing the decline in paratransit organizations over the past decade due to funding reductions, which have increased the burden on emergency medical services. Guthrie is filling this gap by ensuring continuous access to medical care.

The Towanda Hospital Auxiliary, known for its support of local medical services through fundraising, made this donation in response to the urgent need for operational paratransit vehicles. "The auxiliary is pleased to provide funds for the purchase of this much-needed non-emergency transport vehicle," stated Marguerite Shaner, Towanda Hospital Auxiliary President. "In its first weeks of service, the vehicle has already completed 40 transport runs. The emergency staff greatly appreciates this valuable addition to their fleet."

The enhancement of Guthrie EMS's fleet is a significant step in offering reliable and comfortable transportation to patients across the region.