Amanda Ennen Chief Administrative Officer | Official Website
Amanda Ennen Chief Administrative Officer | Official Website
The Healthcare Foundation of Centralia, Illinois has donated $100,000 to the HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation. The funds will support the hospital’s Friends Van program, which offers free transportation for medical, dental, and other appointments.
David Garris, Director of HSHS Southern Illinois Foundations, expressed appreciation for the donation. “We are incredibly grateful for the support and generosity of The Healthcare Foundation,” Garris said. “With this generous contribution, St. Joseph’s Foundation will continue to provide help to our community members in need of transportation.”
The Healthcare Foundation operates as a not-for-profit group assisting medical needs in Clinton, Marion, Jefferson, and Washington Counties. Geni Zibby, a member of the Healthcare Foundation Board of Directors, commented on the gift: “Healthcare Foundation is proud to be able to support St. Joseph’s Friends Van and all that it does for the members of our community with this donation.”
The Friends Van service has provided over 1,000 rides each year since it began in 2018. It mainly serves people needing transportation to medical, pharmacy, and dental appointments but also offers free rides for other personal needs such as shopping or nursing home visits. The van is wheelchair accessible and serves all towns within a 20-mile radius of Breese for appointments in Breese. The service operates Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
To schedule a ride, individuals can call 618-526-8254. More information about the Friends Van is available online.