Support Connections

Your neighbors need your help. Volunteer to drive them to their medical appointments in Polk County.

This is a purely volunteer and philanthropy driven transportation service — your support is greatly appreciated! If you're interested in supporting Connections, please visit our donation page and select your donation to be used for Connections. You can also contact our volunteer coordinator at 503-917-2055.

If you're interested in becoming a volunteer, learn more on the Salem Health Volunteer Services page.

History

Connections began in 2001 at West Valley Hospital, then known as Valley Community Hospital. Hospital staff saw that many elderly patients had trouble getting to medical appointments. This motivated staff to find a solution. Their answer was the Connections program.

Thanks to a grant from the Collins Foundation, the hospital was able to buy a bus. This bus is still in service today and driven entirely by volunteers. These drivers help ensure that all members of Polk County can make it to medical appointments.

Many of Salem Health’s departments managed Connections over the next few years. But each department had the same goal: helping those in need get to crucial appointments.

Cherriots, the area’s public transportation system, provided a grant in 2016. That grant allowed Connections to hire someone to coordinate rides. In 2019, the Cherriots grant was approved for renewal. Another grant in 2016 from Salem Health Foundation made it possible to buy a second vehicle. These extra resources will allow Connections to better serve the community for years to come.