Care Van Returns Monday, March 5

The Enumclaw Regional Healthcare Foundation is ready to put the Care Van back on the road this coming Monday, March 5.

That's right -- the service that provides free transportation for seniors and disabled residents is coming back!

Those needing to get to appointments for non-emergency healthcare issues can call 360-284-2444 to schedule a ride. 

According to the Foundation, the Care Van program was first established in 1987 to provide free rides to anyone who needed to get to a local hospital, pharmacy, or medical professional's office. It was purchased to support then Enumclaw Regional Hospital. The service ran through until August 2010 when it was taken out of service due to limited resources. The hospital became affiliated with Franciscan Health System in 2007. 

The new St. Elizabeth Hospital opened in February 2011 and last August, the Enumclaw Regional Healthcare Foundation asked Franciscan for ownership of the Care Van as a way to continue serving the community. And last November, the Foundation received the van, along with a $15,000 Franciscan Health System grant to initiate the program. 

Children under age 16 must be accompanied by an adult. The van is not equipped with car seats so the parent must supply their own car seat. Click here for more information about the service, van accommodations and scheduling directions.

Want to give back? Buy a gallon of gas for $5 (or more) for the van! You can donate on the Foundation's website, calling 360-802-3206 or stopping by the office at 1174 Myrtle Avenue (suite 103).