Mercy Medical Airlift’s newest program, Angel Bus, is looking for drivers.

Angel Bus is patterned after Angel Flight, using volunteers to provide distant transportation for patients who need to travel to medical facilities for treatment. Like Angel Flight pilots, they do not charge for the service. But the difference is that Angel Bus volunteers drive their own motor coaches. They can offer comfortable quarters to patients who often need to lie down while traveling.

The nonprofit charitable organization was first established in 2000 by a bus owner from South Dakota, Bill Connor. His son, Jarad, was diagnosed with a brain tumor requiring treatment at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. To get there, they used Bill’s converted GM bus, which enabled Jarad to travel in comfort.  While waiting at the clinic, Connor realized there were other patients who could benefit, as well. Thus, Angel Bus was born and quickly expanded beyond Connor’s home state of South Dakota to a nationwide system of volunteer drivers. Then, in 2004, his son passed away, and four years later, Bill died, too. But his vision lived on. His widow, Nola, turned the organization over to Mercy Medical Airlift, and Angel Bus was resurrected.

Patients are referred to Angel Bus from nonprofit groups like the National Patient Travel Center and Make-A-Wish Foundation. They must have a genuine financial need as well as a medical need for services that aren’t available locally.  The typical trip, or “mission,” is of a day’s duration, though there will at times be longer trips, accomplished by linking drivers and “handing off” the patient.

If you or someone you know owns a private coach and would like to become a dedicated driver, please visit www.Angel-Bus.org and apply under the “Drivers” button. Or, give us a call at 757-333-0084. We also welcome charitable contributions.

Angel Bus has about 50 drivers signed up, but more are needed. As Executive Director Jim Smith said,  “We’re looking for people with a heart to help folks who are hurting and who have the means to do it. For the patients who call on Angel Bus, the road is paved with hope.”

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