The Oregon Department of Transportation awarded the West Valley Hospital Foundation $4,822 through the Public Transit Division Discretionary Grant program.

This funding will be used to support the Connections Van transportation program at West Valley Hospital.

The Connections Van, which has been serving Polk County since 2001, provides free transportation for patients of West Valley Hospital and West Valley Physicians and Surgeons Clinic in Dallas, as well as the Monmouth Medical Center. More than 80 percent of the people who receive rides are senior citizens.

Last year, this valuable service provided 1,540 rides to patients who might otherwise find it difficult to access needed healthcare.

The West Valley Hospital Foundation provides financial support of the van through donor contributions and grant funding. To donate to the program, call 503-831-3456.

If you would like to be a volunteer driver, or schedule pick-ups for your medical visits, please call West Valley Hospital at 503-623-8301.

The West Valley Hospital Foundation is committed to raising, managing and distributing funds to help West Valley Hospital achieve its mission of improving the health and well-being of the people and community it serves.