The Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District is sending a wheelchair-accessible bus to Ukraine as part of an effort to supply vehicles to wounded soldiers and people with disabilities in areas affected by the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
US Ambulances for Ukraine, an effort by OSF HealthCare, has delivered 67 vehicles to Ukraine since last March.
By being wheelchair-accessible, this vehicle will be the first of its kind for US Ambulances for Ukraine. The bus will also be the first donation from the Champaign-Urbana area.
In a press release sent on Tuesday, Chris Manson, vice president of OSF HealthCare, described how the MTD vehicle will benefit the region.
“This vehicle will help move wounded soldiers, especially those with significant injuries who are confined to a wheelchair,” Manson said. “Its capabilities will also allow it to be used in emergency evacuations when Ukrainians with disabilities need to be relocated.”
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Karl Gnadt, managing director of MTD, expressed his gratitude for the partnership with OSF and US Ambulances for Ukraine.
“Donating this vehicle, which met the federal requirements of a useful life, gives our community the opportunity to share accessible transport with those who need it most,” Gnadt said.
