Fort Scott VA shuttle service transports veterans for dialysis

Volunteer based shuttle helping veterans get care

Zachary Dodge by Zachary Dodge

Carl Jowers has been the coordinator for the Fort Scott VA shuttle service since it started in January.

“It’s going really smooth. We have a great team of drivers,” says Jowers.

The service is made possible through a partnership between volunteers and the VA and makes sure veterans can get to appointments in Topeka and Kansas City.

But now, they are expanding.

“The Fort Scott Dialysis Center closed on September 30th, and there was a need for some of our veterans to get transportation for treatment in Pittsburg, “explains Jowers.

On Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, veterans in and around Bourbon County can get rides to and from Fresenius Medical Care in Pittsburg for dialysis.

Something that’s been a big help to veterans like Kevin Stancer and Weldon Roberts.

“It’s made a world of difference,” says Stancer.

“It saves me the expense of having to drive down here every day,” says Roberts.

And for Stancer, it’s bigger than just saving money.

His wife also has some medical issues, so she can’t drive him to appointments.

“This has taken a load off of my family. Really helped me out a lot,” says Stancer.

Now, Jowers hopes the service will keep growing so they can help more and more of those who served.

“It feels really good to help out the veterans that need the help,” says Jowers. “If they had to choose between paying their own transportation or having food or having medicines.. it can make a difference there.”

To ride in the shuttle, you just have to be a veteran that can get in and out of a van by yourself.

You can schedule a ride by calling 785-925-0261.

Jowers says the service is currently looking for volunteers to drive.

If you’d like to volunteer, you can call Jowers at 620-215-1688 or email him at carljowers@gmail.com for more information.

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