The Daily Alaska Empire

AMBULANCE FOR JUNEAU IS AIM OF AMER. LEGION
Local Post Announces Plan to Buy Public Ambulance for This City
A motor ambulance for Juneau in the near future is the plan of Alford John Bradford Post, American Legion, of this city, it was announced today. The Post has the endorsement of all local physicians and hospitals in its plan.
It is disposing of a speed boat this week at the Southeastern Alaska Fair Grounds, the net proceeds to be the nucleus of a fund with which it will buy an ambulance for the town, Post officials said. To this will be added 50 per cent of all the net receipts of future Post-sponsored events until the fund is complete.
Need Is Shown
Hospital and medical authorities here estimate there are some 200 ambulance cases here every year, indicating the need for such a service.
Five local physicians have written the Post commending it for its action.
Dr. H. C. DeVighne, Territorial Commissioner of Health, said: "In my opinion there is no item of equal cost which would result in greater benefit to the whole community than would a public ambulance. This is a service that is greatly needed, and one that will be even more needed in the coming years. If the Legion has decided to lend its support to the end of securing an ambulance for the city of Juneau, I am sure every physician in town will assist in every way possible."
"I am glad that a movement is on foot to obtain for the city of Juneau an ambulance," said Dr. W. J. Piggs. "It is a necessity that will be of constant use to the citizens and might at some time save a life."
Support Is Urged
Drs. Council and Borland:
"Surely we need an ambulance and the Legion Post should receive the support of every citizen of Juneau, for anyone of us may need it badly at any time. The Legion should be commended for its foresight in putting over this worthy cause."
"An ambulance is a necessary instrument in caring for the sick," wrote Dr. L. P. Dawes, A. A. Surgeon, U. S. Public Health, "and I am pleased to learn there is a movement started by the American Legion to place such equipment at the disposal of the sick and injured in Juneau."
Dr. Anna Brown Kearsley wrote: "An ambulance will certainly be a great benefit for our town and community and for the sick patients."
The boat the Legion is selling is a hydroplane type equipped with a 25-horsepower outboard Johnson motor. It was built in Seattle and on its trial tests attained a maximum speed of 42 miles an hour. It is on display at the Legion booth in the Fair Building.