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MIFFLINTOWN--For many veterans in Perry and Juniata counties, accessing essential medical care can be a daunting challenge. Long distances, limited mobility, and a lack of reliable transportation can create significant barriers to receiving the treatment they deserve.
The Disabled American Veterans Chapter 49 is stepping up to address this critical need by offering a vital transportation service for free, but its success hinges on the generosity of volunteer drivers.
The Disabled American Veterans is a national nonprofit organization with a strong local presence, comprised of veterans themselves. Chapter 49 specifically serves Perry and Juniata counties, offering a range of programs to assist veterans of all branches of service, regardless of disability status.
One of their most impactful programs is their transportation service, which provides veterans with rides to and from medical appointments.
According to Donald Peters, Director and Veterans Service Officer for Juniata County Veterans Affairs, "The transportation service will pick up a veteran at their house and take them to the doctor's appointment and bring them back home. Many of our veterans are getting older and making the long drive to the VA is getting harder. But this is not limited to older veterans; all veterans can use this service."
The program proves to be a lifeline for veterans facing transportation hurdles. Peters emphasizes, "We CAN NOT run the program without volunteer drivers."
Currently, 132 veterans in Perry and Juniata Counties rely on this service, with the majority residing in Perry County. Disabled American Veterans Chapter 49 is actively seeking to expand its reach in Juniata County, but that requires a dedicated pool of volunteer drivers.
Becoming a volunteer driver is a meaningful way to give back to the community and directly support those who have served our country. The time commitment is modest, with Peters stating a need for "six hours about once a week." There are no special qualifications besides a Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Certification and a clean driving record.
Yet, the impact of these volunteers is undeniable. Peters highlights, "Many of our veterans wouldn't be able to keep their appointments without this program." The ability to access medical care is paramount to a veteran's well-being, and Disabled American Veterans Chapter 49's transportation service bridges a critical gap for those struggling to get the treatment they need.
The biggest challenge Disabled American Veterans Chapter 49 faces is, as Peters acknowledges, "getting volunteers." They are seeking volunteers from Juniata County, with the hope of eventually staging a dedicated transport vehicle in Mifflintown to streamline the service for local veterans.
"As of now, once we get drivers for Juniata County, we can stage a transport vehicle right here in Mifflintown, so the driver doesn't have to drive to Newport to pick the vehicle up and drive back to Juniata County to pick up the veteran," Peters said.
If you are interested in volunteering your time as a driver, or if you are a veteran needing transportation assistance, contact DAV Chapter 49 at (717) 436-7728. Even a few hours a week can make a world of difference for a veteran seeking medical care.
Reliable healthcare for veterans isn't only a matter of honoring their service; it has positive ripple effects throughout the entire community. When veterans have access to the care they need, it eases potential strain on local healthcare providers and emergency services, ensuring those resources are readily available to everyone.
Veterans able to maintain their physical and mental well-being are more likely to be active, engaged members of the community. Their skills and contributions through work, volunteerism, and civic participation benefit everyone.
By supporting the DAV's transportation service, residents of Perry and Juniata Counties are not only helping deserving veterans, but they're also investing in the long-term health and vitality of the community.
By joining Disabled American Veterans Chapter 49's team of volunteer drivers, you can make sure local veterans have access to the transportation they need to maintain their health and well-being. It's a chance to give back to those who have given so much.