The Rotary Club of East Salem has recently acquired an ambulance that will be making its way to the Guatemalan village of La Democracia at the beginning of the new year. After two years of looking for a used ambulance to respond to a request from Rotarians in Guatemala, East Salem Rotarians were happy when they were able to find just what they were looking for in an ambulance that had recently been taken offline by American Medical Response (AMR) in the Portland area.
In addition to the ambulance, the area is in great need of medical supplies as they are building a new hospital to serve the village. It is the hope of the Rotarians that they will be able to fill the ambulance with medical and school supplies before delivering the ambulance to Los Angeles for shipping at the end of the year.
“Our Rotary Club has a history of projects in Guatemala, and we are excited that we are able to help another village in this way,” said Pat Mack, co-chair of the club’s World Community Service Committee. “The biggest hurdle was getting the ambulance. Now that we have that, we are seeking the help of our fellow Rotarians and others in the community to fill it with needed supplies.”
Some items that are being sought include a backboard, oxygen tank, intravenous tubing, blood pressure cuffs, syringes, catheters, and a portable suction aspirator. Those who have medical supplies that may be donated or who would like to receive a complete list of desired items should contact Pat Mack by email at patsflowershop@msn.com or Phil Sperl at philsperl@gmail.com Those wishing to make a monetary contribution may send checks payable to East Salem Rotary to PO Box 562, Salem OR 97308.