Dear Neighbor,

It's hard to believe that 2007 is nearly over. Remember when we were children, it seemed to take forever to get through a whole year, now you find yourself asking “how did it go by so fast?” It also used to snow a lot more when we were children, or maybe we were just smaller and the snow was more impressive.

As we think about how it was when we were younger, we often forget how those years gone by have changed medicine and treatments. For example, just 10 years ago if you had a heart attack at home you were likely to die from it. Today, if you have unusual chest pain and call 9-1-1 right away, the Paramedics and EMT's that come to your bedside can treat you instantly with the same medications that are used in the hospital emergency department - and possibly save your life.

Emergency medicine has become so advanced over the last few years that a Northwestern ambulance is today, a true arm of the emergency department. Trained Paramedics and EMT’s operate as an extension of the doctor and are authorized to carry a special pharmacy of life-saving medications. Back in the day, none of this was possible. It’s good to know, especially when you or a loved one is sick or injured, that Northwestern ambulances are here for you all day, all night...all the time.

Today you are reading about subscribing to Northwestern Ambulance Corps, and you might be wondering if this is a good use of your hard earned money. We would like to think that over 36 years of continuous emergency medical service to this community helps you to say ‘yes’. That our intense training; prudent use of funds and constant reinvestment into new services and life-saving technology helps you to say ‘yes’. Or perhaps you know a friend or loved one that we have helped over the years, and that has helped you say ‘yes’.

Today we face new financial challenges as health care costs continue to go up. In order for Northwestern to stay ahead of expenses, we need your ‘yes’ to becoming or continuing to be a subscriber. Not only does the subscription help you in the event you need our services, but the subscription also helps everyone by providing the needed funding for a non-profit service.

This year we have kept our cost the same and are offering the $40 dollar Individual or $50 dollar Family subscriptions. For those of you who are looking for a worthy cause to donate a more substantial amount we are once again offering our $1000 dollar Lifetime Family subscription. Of course, with any subscription we gratefully accept additional donations of any amount, as you know, every little bit helps.

This year we need your help more than ever, so please say ‘yes’ and subscribe today.

Thank you, and from all of us at Northwestern Ambulance Corps, we wish you happy, healthy and safe 2008!