Volunteer drivers available to transport patients to and from treatments
(FERGUS FALLS, Minn.) - Lake Region Healthcare (LRH) Foundation and Quality Toyota have partnered to provide a new option for LRH Cancer Care & Research Center patients who need transportation assistance to treatment appointments.
A new vehicle has been allocated to the program through a donation from Quality Toyota in Fergus Falls, a Toyota Dealer Match Program grant and support from the LRH Foundation. Volunteer drivers are being recruited and trained to provide the service for this free transportation program.
“We are very humbled by this generous donation and pleased to be able to offer this service. If we are able to help make the lives of those undergoing cancer treatment a little less stressful with this program, we’ve accomplished what we’ve set out to do,” Larry Schulz, CEO of LRH, said.
The vehicle is available to patients with an identified need for the assistance. The Cancer Center’s Patient Navigator, social workers and medical staff will refer patients to the program, and volunteers will be scheduled accordingly to ensure transportation isn’t a barrier to receiving the treatments needed. The service will be provided for patients up to a 60-mile radius from Fergus Falls.
“Using the transportation program was the only way I could get to my appointment,” said Cynthia, a Cancer Center patient who has received transportations services. The program began in February and has provided over 500 miles and over 20 rides to patients in the Fergus Falls, Ashby, Elbow Lake and surrounding communities, even as far away as Kent, MN.
Donations and volunteers will be needed to continue the program. To help with the program, volunteer as a driver, or to inquire further, please contact the LRH Foundation at 218.736.8195 or the LRH Cancer Care & Research Center at 218.736.8688.
About Lake Region Healthcare
Lake Region Healthcare is living out its vision to be Minnesota's preeminent regional healthcare partner. With over 70 medical staff and over 850 employees, its team is dedicated to serving its patients and community with integrity, teamwork, compassion and excellence. For more information about Lake Region Healthcare, visit www.lrhc.org.
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Attached Photo: Paul Tysver, owner of Quality Toyota presents the keys for a Rav 4 to Echo Breen, Administrative Director and Dr. Paul Etzell, Medical Director at the Cancer Care & Research Center. The vehicle will be used to provide cancer patients with transportation to treatment appointments.