Thanks to the efforts of NYS Assemblyman Dov Hikind (D-Brooklyn), Hatzoloh will now be able to rescue more people than ever. Hikind has allocated $1 million in State funding to New York’s Hatzoloh – the largest volunteer ambulance service in the United States.

The State grant will be used to bring Hatzoloh desperately needed upgrades to its communications system, which is vital to dispatching ambulances and saving lives. Currently, the volunteer organization’s primary operating territory encompasses all five Boroughs of New York, Nassau County, Sullivan County, and parts of Ulster County, while paramedic services are also licensed in Rockland and Orange Counties.

Hatzoloh’s current radio system consists of 23 radio towers but dispatching depends on point-to-point communications. This system does not allow Hatzoloh to activate more than one tower at a time. Use of single towers is not always effective in dense areas and the organization has heard complaints of “my radio did not receive the call.”

The $1 million from New York State that Hikind has allocated will bring Hatzoloh a new state-of-the-art communications system that eliminates communications “dead spots” and allows for swifter ambulance and volunteer dispatching. In short, the money will be used to save more lives.

“I don’t think I’ve ever been prouder to help any single organization than I am today helping Hatzoloh,” said Assemblyman Hikind. “I have always had the greatest respect for our wonderful Hatzoloh volunteers, as I think everyone in our community does. Who doesn’t have Hatzoloh’s number next to their phone? Who doesn’t know someone who was rescued from a sudden injury or illness by these selfless volunteers? Hatzoloh saves countless lives every single day, 24/7, and I am thrilled and relieved that this money will allow them to do even swifter work and help more people.

“We are here to make a difference and Hatzoloh makes a difference every day,” said Hikind. “G-d bless this outstanding organization and their extraordinary volunteers.”

(YWN Desk – NYC)