The Island Health & Wellness Foundation (IH&WF) Board of Directors recently gifted Friends In Action (FIA) $5,000 to be used in support of its transportation program. These funds were raised as part of IHWF’s 2016 50th Anniversary Campaign. This gift was given in recognition of the work that FIA does to ensure that Deer Isle-Stonington residents have safe and reliable transportation to health care appointments.

Friends in Action is a non-profit organization committed to providing Hancock County elders with a variety of services, including transportation, at little or no-cost. Last year, local FIA volunteer drivers provided almost 250 rides to residents of Deer Isle-Stonington, covering over 10,000 miles.

Friends In Action’s Executive Director, Jo Cooper, expressed her thanks for this gift, while also acknowledging the challenges FIA has faced as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. “We are extremely
grateful to IH&WF for its help, especially during this time of economic crisis due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It has been a time of challenges and changes but also great opportunities for FIA to help even more individuals throughout Hancock County. IH&WF’s donation has made it possible for us to continue to provide transportation for individuals needing crucial care such as dialysis and cancer treatments.”

Anne West, Executive Director of IH&WF adds, “We are thrilled to be able to provide this gift. The staff at FIA, together with our local volunteer drivers, help us achieve our vision of a community where all the people of Deer Isle-Stonington have access to quality health care and the opportunity for a healthy life style.”

To find out more about IH&WF and its work, please call Anne West at 207-367-5851 or email ihwf1966@gmail.com. For more information about Friends in Action or to sign up for a ride, please call
207-664-6016.