Patients at Hilo Medical Center will enjoy a ride in the new handy lift van that will transport them to dental, ophthalmologist and other special appointments around Hilo.
Patients at Hilo Medical Center will enjoy a ride in the new handy lift van that will transport them to dental, ophthalmologist and other special appointments around Hilo.
Hilo Medical Center Foundation President Julie Tulang presented the keys to the new van to acting Hilo Medical Center CEO Dan Brinkman and his transport staff. This vehicle was secured through a competitive request for proposal (RFP) process of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), section 5310 program administered by State Department of Transportation.
Executive Director Lori Rogers said, “it was former Hawaii County Transit Director Tom Brown who helped link the Hilo Medical Center Foundation to this funding resource, and we are grateful to Tom for all his help and guidance.”
This FTA program is an 80-20 cost-shared program. FTA funded 80 percent of the cost of the vehicle and Hilo Medical Center provided the other 20 percent. Rogers said, “it will be nice for the patients who are being transported, and particularly wonderful for the staff.”
Hilo Medical Center Foundation’s mission is to support Hilo Medical Center with projects that benefit the greater community. This is possible through generous donations from organizations, businesses and individuals. To donate to your community hospital, visit the Hilo Medical Center Foundation website at hilomedicalcenterfoundation.org or call 935-2957.