September 20, 2002

Keep the motor running: New van offers patients a ride

Thanks to a contribution from Thomas Flatley, president of the Flatley Company, a newspecially equipped van has been purchased by the MGH Charlestown HealthCare Center to enhance the health center's community outreach program, primarily devoted to seniors in the community.

The van was set in motion in late July soon after driver Jose Torres was hired. The service is designed to help elderly Charlestown residents get to and from scheduled doctors' appointments.

Patients must be at least 60 years old or disabled to be eligible for van transportation. Patients give the health center 48 hours notice before their appointment and then are picked up at a designated pick-up point, taken to the appointment and home again.
According to Peggy Carolan, administrative director for MGH Charlestown, the program has been successful so far. "In the first two months of operation, 48 health center patients have been served," she says. "Several patients have taken the time to call and express their appreciation for this new service."

For more information about the van program, call (617) 724-8197.

Pictured above, Jose Torres, left, with van passenger Santa Lopez.