aggiederelict said:
My wife is from NYC and when i first visited years ago there was this constant sound of ambulances with a distinct siren different from normal ambulances. When i asked what that was they told me it was the hatzolah, a Jewish run service that is widely used in the orthodox community and others as well.
As this story has emerged i have wondered how these services are funded outside of just donations and volunteer workers. It has to be quite expensive to maintain, supply, and support these services. Something to think about.
out of everything to worry about - Hatzalah is way down the list:
Private Donations:
The vast majority of their budget comes from the generosity of individuals and local businesses within the Jewish community they serve. Donations cover staggering costs like insurance, fuel, communication systems, and disposable medical supplies.
Volunteer Labor: A major factor in their ability to operate without charging is tha
t all their emergency medical personnel are unpaid volunteers, which eliminates payroll as an expense.
Government Grants: While primarily community-funded, some divisions have received grants from the New York State Assembly and New York City Council for specific, one-time capital improvements, such as purchasing new ambulances or upgrading communication systems.
Third-Party Billing (for some): Some groups, like JEVAC, began minimal third-party billing to Medicare, Medicaid, and insurance companies for transport to supplement community contributions. However, no one is ever denied service based on their ability to pay