By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Steer lives toward hope: we need you behind the wheel with VIACK
Linn Hogg
Linn Hogg

Volunteers In Action of Central Kansas (VIACK)’s non-emergency transportation program receives over 50 requests for drives to and from medical appointments each month.

These requests come from community members from all walks of life. However, the number of volunteers that drive people to their appointments has decreased significantly since the pandemic. What was once a group of 30 volunteers has dwindled to only 10, with about seven consistently volunteering.

VIACK recruits volunteers to help transport individuals to their medical appointments. These volunteers make trips to Hoisington, Larned, Hays, Hutchinson, Salina, Dodge City, Pratt, and Wichita. The program also maintains the only wheelchair lift van that will take people outside of the county.

All volunteers receive a gas voucher for each round trip they make, and there are usually enough gas vouchers left to offset any of their normal in-town driving routines. The volunteer driver role is strictly driving and not caregiving, but many of the volunteers feel they have made great friends and been a comfort to the person they are transporting.

VIACK director Linn Hogg says, “The need for this service continues to climb, and I don’t see the demand ever going down.” Over 200 people use the service each year, and some use it monthly.

“We just don’t have the nuclear family that is able to help many of our seniors with their healthcare needs,” says Hogg. “If seniors and other community members cannot make it to their appointments, they usually end up in area emergency rooms, which ends up being a bigger financial burden on them as well as on the general public.

VIACK volunteers are given a choice of which drive they want to accept. “We never assign drives to volunteers,” says Hogg. “We respect that our volunteers have a personal life and personal choices, so we let them pick their volunteer opportunities.”

Hogg notes that the goal is to have a large core of drivers, which eases the burden on all. “The more drivers we have registered, the less any one driver has to take.”

All volunteers must have up-to-date insurance, a good working vehicle and supply information for a Motor Vehicle Records check. In-person, orientation and training are given to all.

To volunteer or for more information call the office at 620-792-1614 or stop by the office at 1025 Main, RM D114, Great Bend.