Medical shuttles across Alle-Kiski Valley among services funded by St. Margaret Foundation

A free medical shuttle that transports patients throughout the Alle-Kiski Valley is among services funded by $675,755 in grants recently announced by the St. Margaret Foundation.

Money will be distributed with the specific goals of supporting patient access, education and experience, foundation President Mary Lee Gannon said.

“This past year has taken a toll on our community and our staff,” Gannon said.

“The reason we exist is because when you’re sick, it’s difficult enough without having to worry if you have a ride to chemotherapy or treatment, or if you can pay for the expensive medicine.”

The foundation is independent of UPMC and exists to fund programs that help the underserved.

Medical transportation services will receive nearly $300,000 through the foundation in 2021.

The Alle-Kiski Valley shuttle can be used by residents of any age for non-emergency medical transportation to or from UPMC St. Margaret near Aspinwall and affiliated UPMC doctors in municipalities that stretch from Arnold to Brackenridge to West Deer.

The shuttle, in partnership with Family Services of Western PA, is scheduled to receive $75,000 from the foundation.

Other services, such as the Free Rides for Seniors shuttle which services Aspinwall, Blawnox and Sharpsburg, will get $55,000. Senior citizens can access grocery stores, pharmacies and other stops along the busy Freeport Road corridor that spans the length of the three towns.

The shuttle runs in partnership with North Hills Community Outreach.

Free Rides Director Kerry Mulhern said the foundation support enables older people in the hospital footprint to have dependable transportation.

“It’s provided by amazing volunteers to life-sustaining appointments and errands. The program is an integral part in keeping our seniors active, engaged and a vital part of our communities,” Mulhern said.

A similar mini-bus for senior citizens runs between Etna and Tarentum, with stops at Amber Woods, Springdale Manor and Dalton’s Edge. Transportation is provided to and from UPMC St. Margaret, UPMC Harmar Outpatient Center, UPMC Natrona Heights and UPMC Renaissance Family Practice, among others. It will also get $55,000.

Gannon said the foundation’s board of directors chooses recipients carefully, with an eye toward the motto of “filling the gaps with hope.”

“In a flash, your health can turn into the biggest challenge of your life,” Gannon said. “The last thing we want is for you to forgo filling your prescription because you need to feed your family or for you not to replace a broken walker.”

Other groups slated to receive grants this year include:

- The Rod Rutkowski Bed Fund for under-resourced patients, $75,000.

- Kathleen’s Cupboard Free Food Pantry, $20,000.

- Free flu immunizations for the elderly, $9,738.

- Covid Communication Project, speaker/charging stations for patient rooms, $5,497.

- Gifts for patients in the hospital on holidays, $2,000.

- Seven iPads for patient education, $2,000.

“Our donors have answered the call of their neighbors in their hour of need,” Gannon said.

“Because of them we are able to fill the gap.”