A free service will continue to shuttle people to doctor’s appointments across the Alle-Kiski Valley as an initiative of the St. Margaret Foundation.
The nonprofit announced a $957,000 grant Friday that will pay for a dozen programs, including free shuttles, flu shots, adaptive food utensils and health screenings.
The money targets the foundation’s mission of access, education and experience, foundation President Mary Lee Gannon said.
“In a flash, your health can turn into the biggest challenge of your life,” she said.
“The last thing we want is for you to forgo filling your prescription (because of transportation issues) or for you not to replace a broken walker.”
The foundation is not a UPMC St. Margaret entity. It operates independently to support patients and people in the local communities.
Among the programs paid by the foundation for 2026 are:
• Free medical shuttle for the Alle-Kiski Valley: Residents of any age can get a non-emergency medical ride to and from UPMC St. Margaret Hospital, UPMC primary care doctors offices and other UPMC diagnostic centers in Arnold, Brackenridge, Creighton, Lower Burrell, Harrison, New Kensington, West Deer and Tarentum. The service is a partnership with Family Services of Western Pa. Call 724-889-0029.
• Free rides for seniors between Tarentum and Etna: Provides medical transportation to able-bodied people ages 60 and older who live in Cheswick, Springdale, Tarentum, Brackenridge, Harrison, Etna, Millvale, Oakmont and Verona. The shuttle stops at senior living facilities that include Amber Woods, Springdale Manor, Rachel Carson Hall, Golden Towers, Dalton’s Edge, Brackenridge Hall, Harrison High Rise, Etna Commons, Lloyd McBride Apartments, Alverno Apartments, Beechwood Commons I and II, and Munroe Towers. Rides are given to and from UPMC St. Margaret, UPMC Harmar Outpatient Center, UPMC Natrona Heights, UPMC Renaissance Family Practice, Dr. Singh and Associates, and other UPMC doctors’ offices along the route. This shuttle is in partnership with North Hills Community Outreach. Call 412-449-0151.
The foundation also pays for two other shuttles, one in the Aspinwall area and one for hospital patients returning to nursing facilities. The shuttles provide a total of more than 12,000 rides each year.
New from the foundation this year is a $75,000 grant to revitalize the inpatient rehab activity room. It is used to help patients recovering from strokes, surgeries and falls practice everyday tasks, such as hanging clothes, vacuuming and standing at a stove to cook.
“When you have suffered a stroke or other impairment and are hospitalized for weeks at a time, you are already feeling down,” Gannon said. “We want you to know how special you are and make your stay with us as comfortable as possible.”
Other highlights of the grant include $25,000 for patients going through treatment at the Hillman Cancer Center at St Margaret; $68,300 for visual safety alerts; $45,000 for valet service for disabled patients; $28,700 for family health centers; $20,000 for the free food pantry; $17,000 for health fair screenings; and $3,000 for adaptive feeding equipment to help patients with tremors and stroke victims be able to eat when they leave the hospital. Special utensils can be taken home.
“The foundation’s board of directors is dedicated to the motto of ‘Filling in the gaps with hope, healing and independence,’” Gannon said.
“Our donors have answered the call of their neighbors in their hour of need.”