TIERS WHEELCHAIR VAN SERVICE

Mobility-impared river communities residents have a new way to travel to and from medical appointments thanks to Thousand Islands Emergency Rescue Service (TIERS), and a gift from River Hospital.

The wheelchair van formerly used by River Hospital to transport patients to and from their homes to attend River’s elderly day care program was donated to TIERS.

“This is a vital service for the residents in the River District and it fits perfectly into our mission to provide medical transportation, but now we can help non-emergency medical patients as well,” said Rolly Churchill, TIERS Executive Director. “We certainly thank River Hospital for this generous gift.”

The wheelchair van--nicknamed “Hillary”--was originally obtained with a grant from then-U.S. Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton for River Hospital. “We at River Hospital are so thrilled that the hard work of Secretary Clinton will continue to provide benefit to even more people in our area,” said Harriet Burris, MD, River Hospital’s Emergency Department Medical Director.

The service is primarily offered from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday, but after-hours and weekend service can be arranged with one week’s prior notification. Churchill noted that a person does not have to be wheelchair-bound to use the new service: “We can transport anyone who has difficulty getting from here to there because of injury, illness or any reason.”

Medical patients covered by Medicaid must first call Coordinated Transportation Solutions at 800-818-6781. After CTS—which handles all Medicaid-covered transportation in the state—confirms that the person meets criteria for medical transport, they will call TIERS to schedule the trip. Arrangements can also be made through Jefferson County Social Services.

Persons not covered by Medicaid can call TIERS and inquire about other insurance coverage or private-pay arrangements for trips. Trips to doctor-ordered therapies, dialysis, prosthetic service, and dentist offices also qualify for the service. “Historically, people use this service to go to weddings, graduations, even funerals if they have no other way to get there,” Churchill said.

TIERS does have wheelchairs for people who may need, but don't have one.

Drivers receive training and testing in traffic rules that apply to the drivers of any for-hire vehicle including safety and operational requirements, and are recertified yearly by DOT inspectors.

 

Accepting the gift of the wheelchair van from River Hospital are TIERS Board of Director members Jean Heady and John Timmerman, TIERS Executive Director Rolly Churchill and Operations Manager Glenn Morrison. Representing River Hospital are Dr. Harriet Burris, Emergency Department Medical Director and former TIERS Medical Director, and Christopher Symenow, PA-C, Emergency Room P.A.