Baltimore, MD - July 12, 2017 - The leaders of Alvin S. Mintzes Hatzalah of Baltimore extend their deep gratitude to Councilman Isaac Yitzy Schleifer for his leadership in working with Baltimore City Mayor Catherine Pugh to secure a new, badly-needed ambulance for the community.
“We want the community to know that Yitzy’s efforts are enabling us to expand our life-saving work on a daily basis,” said Elimelech Goldstein. “He did this behind the scenes, without publicity or trying to get the credit. In his usual unassuming way, he single-handedly led the effort to provide greater, urgent life-saving services to get patients to the hospital and provide medical care en route.”
Schleifer recognized the opportunity to secure funds for Hatzalah, which saves countless lives and the city millions of dollars in emergency response and transporting costs.
Rabbi Shmuel Silber of Suburban Orthodox Congregation noted that “Hatzalah is one of the most critical organizations in our community. We know that ‘one who saves one life, it is as if he has saved the entire world .’ Everyone who plays a role in helping Hatzalah has earned that special praise. Yitzy’s efforts will save many lives.”
Hatzalah Executive Director Dovid Heyman explained that within minutes of a call, Hatzalah volunteers are on the scene providing emergency care. Three volunteer units respond to every call, two in their own cars equipped with medical equipment, and a third volunteer driving a Hatzalah ambulance. Hatzalah calls often overlap, so multiple Hatzalah ambulances can be out on different calls at the same time.
“Hatzalah volunteers and community leaders typically need to invest an enormous amount of time raising funds and appealing to donors, but thanks to Councilman Yitzy Schleifer, we have received a fully funded ambulance without pulling funds from other vital Hatzalah needs.”
The Alvin S. Mintzes Hatzalah of Baltimore serves the community around the clock, 365 days a year with eight paramedics and 22 EMTs and 18 dispatchers.
Hatzalah is extremely grateful to its supporters and donors, and to the volunteers and their families who have Shabbos meals, jobs, and daily minyanim interrupted to help those in need.
Hatzalah joins the greater Baltimore community in expressing tremendous hakaras hatov (gratitude) to Councilman Schleifer and Mayor Pugh for the new ambulance.
Added Howard “Tzvi” Friedman, “It is imperative to have elected officials who are not only familiar with the community’s needs but who understand the government resources that can be tapped to save the lives of local residents. We are fortunate to have a great organization like Hatzalah, and we are fortunate to have Councilman Schleifer representing our community as he works for the greater good of Baltimore.”
