HUDSON — The Healthcare Consortium hosted the Annual Recognition Event honoring the drivers of the Children and Adults Rural Transportation Service (CARTS) with the “Friends of the Consortium” award on Sept. 21. Claire Parde, The Healthcare Consortium’s Executive Director, said, “We were so thrilled to have the Consortium’s Board, staff, partners, supporters and friends join us for our Annual Recognition Event to celebrate and honor the drivers of our Children and Adults Rural Transportation Service, also known as CARTS. The drivers are the heart and soul of the program. We all know how hard they work to make sure that Columbia County residents get to and from their medical appointments safely and on time; we also know how much their courtesy, respect, and good cheer mean to our clients. During the COVID lockdown, they didn’t miss a beat—they continued to drive people to healthcare providers and facilities, even though there was some real risk to doing so—and that dedication and bravery deserved a special recognition.”
As part of the Recognition Ceremony, David Harrison, Director of Emergency Management for Columbia County, and Rachel Hamilton, Deputy Director of Columbia County Veterans Service Agency, discussed the impact of the CARTS drivers in supporting their work and the larger Columbia County community. Assemblymember Didi Barrett’s Office honored the drivers with a proclamation recognizing their service, and the Rip Van Winkle Foundation announced they will be providing a “challenge grant”—matching any funds, up to $7,500, raised by the end of this year to purchase a CARTS wheelchair accessible van .
It was a wonderful evening of community and celebration recognizing the incredible efforts of Paul Eichin, Peter Iacovelli, Bradley Kiel, David Landry, John Leach, Wally Lees, Eric Martin, Floyd Mink, Greg Mosley, Paul Mossman, Robert Pollack, Ed Sauer, Ed Segur, Dave Stockley, James Toteno, Ed Welch, Bill Wendelken, and Bill Vick.
The Healthcare Consortium’s Annual Recognition Event was supported by the generosity of the following major sponsors: Rip Van Winkle Foundation, Albany Med Health System, Kinderhook Toyota, Columbia Memorial Health, Mental Health Association of Columbia-Greene Counties, New York Oncology Hematology, Pine Haven Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, and USI Insurance Services.