Putnam County Hospital reveals new medical transportation vehicle during virtual gala

The Putnam County Annual Black Tie Gala has become an event that the local community plans for and looks forward to each year. In 2018 and 2019 fundraising efforts were used to purchase and maintain the new Putnam County Medical Transport.

“Putnam County Cancer Center and Putnam County Hospital took the first step in the capital acquisition of the medical transport van for important transportation services for medical care, especially for our cancer patients,” CEO Dennis Weatherford said.

The Putnam County Cancer Center was in need of transportation for patients that need to get to certain types of treatments, many of which are urgent. Patients oftentimes are unable to drive themselves to treatment, family members are unable to take time off work and this was a solution that the Cancer Center and Putnam County Hospital saw as a major need in our community.

That’s where donations from the previous galas as well as from Rob and Nick of York Automotive helped fill a void.

“When Putnam County Hospital approached Nick and I with this opportunity, we thought it was a great and small way for us to give back to the community,” Roby York of York Automotive said. “All of us have been touched in some way by cancer. Our mother is a two time cancer survivor. We are honored and proud to be part of this project for the community.”

Putnam County Hospital is currently working on protocols and fine tuning the transportation program so the transport can start assisting the community.

“It is extremely exciting to see the generous donations being put to good and to a much needed program.” Director of Marketing and Community Relations Brooke Trissel said. “This community is absolutely incredible. From the sponsors each year, to the guests, to those that donate auction items, we are truly blessed with an amazing community.”

Putnam County Hospital and Gala Committee decided to unveil the new van at the 2020 Gala. Due to COVID-19 the Gala went virtual. A virtual event did not stop them from giving the generous donors over the last few years, the first look at the new Putnam County Medical Transport.

“It was important to our team to share this exciting purchase and program with those that have donated over the last few years first,” Trissel said. “We could not thank those donors, along with Nick and Rob York more. It is an exciting time to be part of the PCH family and the Putnam Cancer Center team.”