United States Department of Veterans Affairs
United States Department of Veterans Affairs

Portland VA Medical Center

Voluntary Service - Disabled American Veterans Transportation Services

DAV vanThe National Disabled American Veterans service organization operates a transportation network at each VAMC throughout the country to provide transportation to veterans who are unable to get to VA appointments on their own. Veterans who live in Bend, The Dalles, Florence, Astoria, Tillamook, Kelso/Longview, Salem, Eugene, Yamhill County and Portland with scheduled appointments at the medical center can arrange for a ride on a DAV van. Volunteer drivers make a round trip daily from each of these communities at no cost to the veteran passengers.

Most of the vans have the capacity to carry 7-8 passengers at a time. During FY06 volunteer drivers logged over 382,019 miles; gave 21,376 hours of service transporting 17,196 passengers in any given year.

The DAV transportation program is a volunteer program. The generosity of the volunteer drivers makes this program possible. Volunteers donate a day a week or month to help veterans get to their appointments. To become a volunteer driver or assist in other ways with this program, call Voluntary Service at (503) 220-8262 ext. 55042. When you see one of the volunteer drivers, tell him or her "Thanks"!



Guidelines for riding on the van

  • Veterans must be able to get on and off the van unassisted and be physically and/or emotionally able to tolerate the ride.
     

  • Veterans are responsible to be at the departure point on time or risk being left behind.

  • Luggage, wheelchairs, non-folding walkers, large oxygen tanks cannot be transported due to space and safety considerations.
     

  • A medical appointment is a veteran's "ticket to ride". Rides are not available for veterans who want to come to the medical center to make an appointment.
     

  • Smoking and use of other tobacco products, possession of illegal substances, weapons, drinking alcohol and foul language is not permitted on the van.
     

  • No Beneficiary Travel pay is given to passengers on the DAV vans.
     

  • Passengers must plan to spend the day at the medical center and provide for their own lunches.

 
To schedule a ride:

Call the DAV Transportation office (503) 220-8262 ext. 57804 72 hours in advance to reserve a space on the van.