New York – Assemblywoman Helene Weinstein joined by Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, Rabbi David Cohen, CEO of Chevra Hatzalah, and Mr. Heshy Jacobs, President of Chevra Hatzalah announced $445,000 in funding to overhaul the communication system at Hatzalah’s new command center in the Flatbush section of Brooklyn.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to help Hatzalah, an organization whose 1,200 volunteers sacrifice their time and safety to help those in need,” said the Assemblywoman. “In my district office, we have a list of important phone numbers. On top of that list is Hatzalah’s hotline. Unfortunately, we have had to put that number to use for constituents; by the time you put the phone down, Hatzalah is there.”

The $445,000 grant from Assemblywoman Weinstein will cover the expense of an upgrade to the emergency radio and telephone communication system. “Providing such excellent care comes at a price,” Weinstein said, “and although we hope to never need their services, G-d forbid if we do, these funds will ensure Hatzalah can respond using the finest dispatching equipment available.”

“Countless New Yorkers have benefited from the life-saving work that Hatzalah volunteers do every day,” Silver said. “By overhauling its communications system, we are giving this important organization the tools it needs to continue providing our community with these vital services. With this upgrade, Hatzalah, which is already an outstanding model of coordination and efficiency, will be able to do even more for those it serves.”

For the past 35 years, Chevra Hatzalah, a volunteer ambulance service with branches throughout the New York City Metropolitan Area, has provided essential life-saving services to City residents. Tens of thousands of people have benefited from Hatzalah’s professionalism, compassion and swift response in times of emergency.

“I want to thank Assemblywoman Helene Weinstein for her hard work in helping to secure these much-needed funds, Rabbi David Cohen and Heshy Jacobs for the outstanding work they do on behalf of Chevra Hatzalah, and of course all of the volunteers make who this great service possible,” Silver added.

Rabbi David Cohen, CEO Hatzalah Volunteer Ambulance Service presented the Assemblywoman with a Certificate of Appreciation for her “legislative leadership in helping Hatzalah save lives throughout New York.

Rabbi Cohen thanked the Assemblywoman, “Assembly Member Weinstein’s grant will have a major impact on Hatzalah’s ability to respond quickly and efficiently in life-saving situations. We also want to thank Assembly Speaker Silver for his steadfast support throughout the years.”

(YWN Desk – NYC)