COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – For the past two years, the Branch County Commission on Aging has been raising funds for a much-needed minivan to transport Branch County senior citizens through its Medical Transportation Program. Recently, the Branch County Community Foundation had stepped up to make the purchase possible with the largest donation for the van.
“Medical transportation for seniors is an important part of the Commission on Aging. Recognizing the need in the community for this service, we are pleased that we could award them with a grant for $2,600,” said Colleen Knight, president and CEO of the Branch County Community Foundation.
The Branch County COA Medical Transportation Program offers rides to doctor appointments to any Branch County resident age 60+. The van is driven by trained senior volunteers who pick up older adults at their homes, transport them to medical offices, wait for them, and return them to their homes. The van travels as far away as Ft. Wayne, Battle Creek, Ann Arbor, Kalamazoo, Lansing, and other locations. The program is run with state and federal grant funds, as well as local county millage funds and participant donations.
The BCCOA is also looking for volunteer van drivers to assist with this program; if you’re interested, call 279-6565 and ask for Sarah. For additional information about the medical transportation program, please call 279-6565 or go to BCCOA’s Web site, www.burnsidecenter.com.
