Getting help for the physically challenged
Published:Saturday | May 24, 2014 | 12:00 AM
Angelo Laurence, Gleaner Writer
The Manchester branch of the Jamaica Red Cross has moved to acquire a specially designed vehicle to transport the physically challenged and wheelchair-bound persons in the parish.
Michael Walker, of the Jamaica Red Cross, announced the project to acquire the vehicle during the organisation's annual banquet held at the Golf View Hotel on Saturday, May 17.
He said there was a great need for such a vehicle, which would afford those who find it difficult to utilise public or private transportation to be more independent in their movements to places such as shopping centres, the airport, and church. He said that senior citizens are often forced to use the services of an ambulance to transport them when in fact what they need is a properly equipped vehicle such as the one the Red Cross will be acquiring. The vehicle, he said, would be able to accommodate a minimum of three wheelchair-bound persons and their caregivers at any one time. Walker pointed out that a significant number of businesses, including churches, banks, supermarkets and hardware stores, have installed infrastructure to accommodate seniors and the physically challenged. The unit, he said, would cost approximately US$50,000. The Manchester Co-operative Credit Union contributed J$100,000 and the Central Manchester Returned Residents Association, J$50,000.
The Manchester Red Cross now operates a fully equipped ambulance that serves a wide cross section of the parish and has already proven to be a lifesaver to many families.
Other organisations such as the Rotary Club of Mandeville have already thrown their weight behind the project, which is slated to come on stream by the end of the year.