Pella —
The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking volunteers to transport patients from Marion County to the Des Moines VA hospital.
Bart Quick, Chief of Voluntary Service for the Des Moines VA, said volunteers are required to have a clean driving record, must pass a physical examination and submit to a background check. The background check will examine one's criminal history and takes two weeks.
After that, volunteer drivers will go through an orientation process, to learn more about privacy expectations, courtesy, and infection control issues. Volunteers will ride with experienced drivers and then have an experienced driver ride with them on their first trips.
The patients driven by volunteers must be ambulatory. They can travel with a spouse and can be on oxygen. Most travel to Des Moines for outpatient services not available in Knoxville, such as X-Rays, MRI and other minor procedures. If a patient requires sedation during their visit to the Des Moines VA, the Department asks them to travel with someone who can assist them.
When patients utilize a VA van to get to Des Moines, with a volunteer driver, it is noted on the patient's chart to better accommodate the driver. Quick said the VA does not want to make volunteer drivers try to leave Des Moines at rush hour.
There are currently three volunteer drivers serving Marion County. Quick said the VA would like to double that number and more.
If you would like to learn more about becoming a volunteer, contact Shirley Woolums, volunteer coordinator, at 515-699-5818.
The Des Moines VA serves a 43-county area. In 2011, volunteer drivers traveled over 300,000 miles to assist veterans.
Local News
November 27, 2012
Volunteer drivers wanted
- Local News
-
-
Video, Slideshow: GOAL graduates 15th class
GOAL Alternative High School in Knoxville held its graduation ceremony this morning.
-
Video, Slideshow: West Elementary Field Day
This morning, the students of West Elementary walked down the road to the Randy Wilson Track, to enjoy their annual field day.
-
Video, Slideshow: Flag Raising at Graceland Cemetery
A group of volunteers spent this morning hoisting the poles and raising the flags for the Memorial Day Avenue of Flags at Graceland Cemetery.
-
Moro father-son share at Sprint Car 101
Featured guests at the Sprint Car 101 program of Thursday, May 16, were father and son, Tony and Matt Moro. With host Bob Baker, Hall of Fame Director, the evening started with a review of how each guest began his racing career. Both started out raci
- Alexander scores in the 800 Cody Alexander scored two team points for the Melcher-Dallas Saints at the 2013 State Track Meet in Des Moines. The Saints, competing in Class 1A had a seventh place finish from Alexander in the 800 meter run Saturday morning. He was timed in 2:04.60
-
Knoxville Middle School kids help at state track meet
Twenty six 7th graders and twenty six 8th graders spent Thursday and Friday at the state track meet working at the field events. I had the idea during my first year teaching at Knoxville. While we were at a rules meeting in Ankeny, I talked to one of
-
Wellik earns Ed Thomas Football Award
Andrew Wellik of Emmetsburg High School is the recipient of the third Ed Thomas Mr. Football Award presented by the Iowa Newspaper Association. Wellik was presented the award Tuesday, May 14 during an awards ceremony at the school. The Ed Thomas Mr.
- Band meeting for fifth grade parents If your child wants to join band, there will be an Informational Meeting for parents on Tuesday, May 28, from 6-7 p.m. in the KMS Music Room. This meeting is for any incoming sixth grader that is interested in joining band for the 2013-14 school year
- Panthers to host Rockets After opening with three games the first week, the Knoxville Panthers will play host to the Eddyville-Blakesburg Rockets May 30 at home starting at 4:30 p.m. The Panther softball squad will face the Rockets in a freshman contest, followed by a JV and
- Civil War Days set for this weekend On Saturday, May 25, you are invited to the Marion County Historical Village to experience a Civil War Day with the Army of the Southwest Iowa Reenactors. Admission is free to the all-day event, which begins at 7 a.m., with a pancake breakfast served
- More Local News Headlines
-
Raw: Trucker Bumps I-5 Bridge Before Collapse
Raw: Texas Deputy Shot by Colo. Suspect Honored
Major Detours Following Wash. Bridge Collapse
American Held in Grisly Czech Murders
Raw: Jersey Shore Reopens for Summer
UK-bound Pakistan Plane Diverted, 2 Men Arrested
Officials: Tsarnaev Friend Linked to Slaying
Obama:Sexual Assault Threatens Trust in Military
Bridge Collapse Survivor: 'Rough Day'
Jersey Shore Open for Business
Raw: Memorial Day Flags Placed at Arlington
New Wheelchair Lift Promises More Access
First Person: Mom Discusses Famous Tornado Photo
Raw Video: Washington State Bridge Collapse
Boy Scouts Approve Plan to Accept Gay Boys
