Volunteer drivers help Peninsula cancer patients to appointments, treatment
By Prue Salasky, Daily Press (Newport News, Va.) | |
McClatchy-Tribune Information Services |
"It relieves them and their families of one more worry," said
Each year, Peninsula volunteers provide more than 300 rides to residents of
"It's a huge need. We don't want anyone turned away from treatment. It's imperative," said
The society trains drivers and schedules rides for patients at no cost. All drivers must have a current, valid driver's license, a good driving record, a safe and reliable car, and proof of insurance, according to
"We have 10 active volunteers on the Peninsula. They're driving every day. They're a small, but mighty team," she said, commending their commitment. Some have been driving for 15 years, others are brand new. "They're the busiest people you know. The majority is retired, but a couple is employed," she added.
That morning, after a 30-minute drive from his house, Mellen had picked up
Drivers for the Road to Recovery program range in age from 18 to 85. When they apply, they go through a background check and are screened to see that they meet the requirements.
They take a one-hour training online that teaches the organization's policies and procedures to ensure patient safety. Scheduling is done through local coordinators, who receive information about patients from the national office in
After the number of Peninsula patients in May jumped to 41 from 25 the month before, Linden had to call a temporary halt to new patients. "We were overwhelmed. We were driving two patients a day," he said, noting that the volunteer drivers are typically able to meet 95 percent of all requests. Inman had daily radiation treatments in July and August, and confirmed that he never had to seek out an alternative ride.
Patients call in advance to schedule their week's appointments and drivers are typically given three to four days' notice. "It's not a set commitment. It's very flexible," said Barclay. "If a driver's not available one week, we call them again the next."
For radiation treatments, which usually take 15 to 20 minutes and may take place daily over a six- to eight-week time frame, the driver usually waits, explained Barclay. For chemotherapy treatments, which can take up to four hours, the driver might return at an agreed time, or one driver might drop off and another pick up.
"The patients are just so thankful that they don't have to catch a bus," said Linden, citing the case of a patient who lived just 10 miles from the
Want to participate?
Patients seeking help can call the
Want to become a driver? Contact
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