The Disabled American Veterans Transportation Network's hospital service coordinator recently made an appeal for volunteer drivers.
"We have received inquiries from potential drivers after a news release was published a few months ago. These inquiries resulted in six new drivers at Hot Springs and Camden. ... We still need more drivers, especially in Jonesboro, Pine Bluff and El Dorado/Camden areas. Volunteering to drive a veteran ensures even those living remotely from CAVHS can make their appointments. There are times there are vans available, but no drivers. Volunteering one day a month helps," Margaret Robinson, who volunteers at the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System, said in a news release.
The DAV donates vans to the VA, Robinson coordinates the network, but what is "crucially needed" are volunteer drivers, it said.
Robinson coordinates transportation for veterans to receive care through "convenient, safe, and reliable transportation." The network provides veterans with free transportation services to appointments.
"This service ensures all ambulatory veterans, with no access to transportation options of their own, are enabled to travel to CAVHS medical facilities to receive the care they have earned."
Robinson also volunteers for the American Red Cross, food banks, her church, and her family, the release said. A grandmother and U.S. Air Force veteran, she volunteers around 50 hours each week at CAVHS administering the network.
At CAVHS, DAV chapters as well as other volunteers transport veterans from van locations at Batesville, El Dorado, Camden, Fayetteville, Heber Springs, Hot Springs, Hope, Jonesboro, Magnolia, Mena Mountain View, Mountain Home, Newport, Pine Bluff, and Russellville, as well as other locations along designated routes to CAVHS facilities.
Qualifications for volunteer drivers include valid Arkansas driver's license, safe driving record, completion of training and health screenings.
Call voluntary service at 501-257-3288 for more information.