Ambulance crew boosted by Lions grant

The Greenfield Lions Club, with members of the District 9SW Lions Clubs of Iowa, presented equipment to the Adair County Health System Emergency Medical Services (EMS) department Monday night at their temporary station, which is the old Greenfield Fire Station just off the square.

The equipment presented replaces equipment that was destroyed in the May 21 tornado that hit Greenfield and Adair County.

District 9SW Lions Clubs of Iowa, on behalf of the Greenfield Lions Club, applied for a $20,000 Community Recovery Grant from Lions Clubs International. The Community Recovery Grant is for Lion districts interested in supporting short-term clean-up and repair efforts when other organizations have already met immediate needs. Eligible activities include the purchase of equipment and supplies for debris removal; equipment and materials for minor repair and refurbishment of groups of homes, medical facilities, schools and other public institutions; coordination of blood drives; and temporary/mobile eye care clinics for disaster victims to replace lost glasses.

Members of the Greenfield Lions Club and District 9SW met with Greenfield Fire Chief TJ Oder and Adair County Health System EMS Director Chris Roberts to see what their needs might be. After the meeting, it was decided that since the EMS lost their building completely and everything in it, they had the greatest need for assistance.

Using the $20,000 grant from Lions Club International, $5,000 from the Greenfield Lions Club, and $324.56 from District 9SW Care and Share Disaster Relief Fund the following items were purchased for the EMS Department: Hotsy power washer, air compressor, portable radio, three portable radio chargers, five portable radio corded mics and speakers.

The power washer helps keep the ambulances and certain pieces of equipment in a continuous state of readiness and cleanliness.

The air compressor is used to maintain air pressure in the three ambulances the department utilizes and maintains, and is used for other purposes for the agency.

The radio equipment is very helpful to Adair County Ambulance for when they’re responding to calls. It allows them to communicate effectively with dispatch and additional local and regional public safety partners.

“On behalf of the Adair County Ambulance and the citizens we serve, thank you for being a strong ally in our effort to provide continued emergency medical services to the citizens of Adair County,” Roberts wrote to the Lions organizations in a thank you letter.

District 9 SW had previously received a $10,000 Emergency Grant from Lions Club International for the April 26, 2024, tornadoes that affected residents of Harrison County, Shelby County, Ringgold County, City of Minden and the City of Creston. These communities are within District 9 SW. The funds from this emergency grant were used to help residents purchase groceries in the communities of Minden, Harlan and Mount Ayr.