White Ambulance Supports Campaign for New Brookings Health System Ambulance
- October 01, 2014
Brookings Health System Foundation’s community-wide campaign to raise money for a new ambulance recently exceeded $38,000, including a $2,500 gift from White Ambulance Service.
“Brookings Ambulance is an Advanced Life Support (ALS) service while the White Ambulance is a Basic Life Support (BLS) service,” said White Ambulance President Russ Larson. “Brookings Ambulance is always available to assist us when ALS is needed for things like heart situations, multi-injury accidents, or medication administration. Our donation shows our appreciation for their assistance.”
According to Brookings Health System Ambulance Director Gordon Dekkenga, the health system needs a new Type III ambulance to replace an older Type III vehicle. At a cost of $175,000, the new ambulance will be built and stocked as an ALS unit. It will serve as the primary 911 response unit in the five-vehicle fleet.
“We are honored to work with the White Ambulance and other BLS teams in the area,” said Dekkenga. “We can’t thank them enough for their donation to our campaign.”
Brookings Health System Foundation Development Officer Barb Anderson points out that Brookings Health System has operated the self-supported ambulance service for 40 years.
“Giving to the ambulance campaign is a genuine investment for businesses and individuals who understand the impact this service has on quality of life for our community,” said Anderson.
According to Anderson, in many communities, ambulances are funded by city budgets. When they need a new ambulance, they often use tax revenue.
“Having this service available to the Brookings area without using tax revenue is pretty amazing when you consider taxpayers in Watertown recently paid for a new ambulance by enacting a second penny tax,” said Anderson. “
The community may contribute to the ambulance campaign by text at (605) 646-4661, online at www.brookingshealth.org/foundation, mail to 300 Twenty-Second Avenue, or the donation envelope which arrived last week in the September issue of Brookings Health System’s Inspiring Health newsletter.
“For those considering year-end giving, please know that Brookings Health System Foundation is a 501(c)3 and contributions to the ambulance campaign will be accepted through the end of 2014,” reminds Anderson.
For more information about Brookings Health System Foundation, please contact Foundation Officer Barb Anderson at (605) 696-8855 or foundation@brookingshealth.org.
About Brookings Health System Foundation
The mission of Brookings Health System Foundation is to inspire people to support Brookings Health System through philanthropy, recognizing the vital role of local healthcare in sustaining quality of life in our community. Gifts to the Foundation support charity health care for those less fortunate, health and wellness education, facility, equipment, and technology upgrades and other needs as they arise at Brookings Health System. For more information about Brookings Health System Foundation or how you may contribute, please contact Foundation Officer Barb Anderson at (605) 696-8855 or foundation@brookingshealth.org.
About Brookings Health System
Brookings Health System, located in Brookings, South Dakota, includes a 49-bed hospital, the 79-bed The Neighborhoods at Brookview nursing home, and Brookhaven Estates apartments. It is a non-profit, city-owned facility that offers the community a full range of inpatient, outpatient, and extended care services. The emergency room is staffed 24 hours a day and provides around the clock medical-nursing care for patient needs ranging from minor injuries to life threatening crises. For more information about the services offered at Brookings Health System, please call (605) 696-9000 or visit us on the Web at brookingshealth.org.