Neighbors are helping neighbors
From left to right: Rodney Judkins of Town Taxi, Ivan Gould, Gerald Cayer of FMH, Liz Richards and Jon Bubier.
FARMINGTON - They saw a need and decided to help.
It's not something most people think about but when patients are taken to the hospital by ambulance and don't have transportation available, how to they get back home?
Liz Richards, a volunteer at Franklin Memorial Hospital, saw patients get left at the hospital without a way home and, all too often, a kind nurse or other medical staff person at the hospital would take them home during their break.
"It happens more than you think it could," Richards said. As a member of Neighbors Helping Neighbors, a group made up of about 20 local residents who work to raise money to help people out, Richards mentioned the problem and the group decided to donate $200 in cab fare for those who need a ride home from FMH.
"Saw the need and thought it would be a good idea," she said.
Rodney Judkins, owner of Town Taxi of Farmington, was asked to provide patients transportation back home using the donation.
"We heard about people getting stranded at the hospital," said Ivan Gould, president of Neighbors Helping Neighbors, who added, "We can't have that."
Those who need a ride home just need to ask, said Jon Bubier, NHN's vice president. Everyone working at the hospital has been informed of the service so a call to Town Taxi will be made, if requested by a patient.
"Thank you," said Gerald Cayer, executive vice president at Franklin Community Health Network, as a few members of the group gathered today to start the aid program. "There's a need for this and it's a big help to the community."
Bubier said if anyone is interested in joining the Neighbors Helping Neighbors help group, the next meeting will be held 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 6 at 280 High Street in Farmington. For more information, call Bubier at 778-2249.
For a related story about the group, click here.
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I love how people in Greater Franklin County understand the value of collaboration. A need arises and many go into automatic response of trying to figure out how to help, no matter what the barriers. Hats off to this initiative! Please recognize: This is not commonplace in many other places and is a strength to build on.
they is still good people out here in franklin county that see a need for something and work hard to make it happen. hats off the ivan gould and jon bubier all the other people of neighbors helping neighbors.
Is there a place to donate to or sign up with to help? I am full up with meetings til after school budget time but would like to be involved either by donation or helping with a ride. Thanks
its nice to see something good in the news for once. Hats off to Mr. Bubier and Mr Gould.
So glad we have a Taxi in town. Thank you to Neighbors helping Neighbors. Are you doing any fundraising?
I am really impressed. When I saw the taxi at the front entrance, my first thought was not this. Congratulations to all those involved, but especially to Liz Richards for seeing a need and then doing something about it. That is what makes ours a good place to live.
Thanks Rod you still Rock
Thank u folks for supporting this need. I was one of these patients who could not get a ride home. Thank u Taxi for getting me home safely.. U rock...
That's wonderful. The taxi man is a very thoughtful and helpful person. Also, to think about, Community Concepts has drivers who will return anyone who is a Maine Care patient, at any time. There's a pager number available, if it's after office hours, and several drivers willing to get up in the night, if needed.
Neighbors Helping Neighbors thanks you for the kind words and support. We invite you all to join us at our next meeting at the Harvest House, Tuesday, February 28th at 5:30. This is a community-based effort for the community. And yes, we are planning future fund raising events, gladly accept all donations and we can be contacted through Ivan Gould at 491-5074 or Liz Richards 578-0199.
We have our next fundraiser scheduled!!!! April 28th, The Franklin County Amazing Race. Details to follow. Should be a great time for all! Designed for all ages, fun challenges and tricky clues! Tickets at Ron's Market. Sign up now!!!!