"Freedom House Ambulance Service: A Lincoln Highway Pioneer" by Andrew Blenko

Saturday April 6, 2024 - 1:00pm

Imagine being sick or injured and needing medical assistance, but help never arrives because of your zip code. While many think this kind of treatment only happened in the South in the mid-twentieth century, this was also the fate of Pittsburghers in predominantly Black neighborhoods.

Discover how African Americans in the Hill District, a neighborhood just off the Lincoln Highway, founded a mobile emergency medical service to address the needs of residents in their communities. Join Andrew as he presents the beginnings and innovations of the Freedom House Ambulance, America's first emergency medical service, and how their example sparked a national movement to provide the country with skilled medical assistance on the move.

Cost: $5 admission per person. No reservation required.

Coffee & cookies will be provided for a suggested donation of $1.

About Andrew Blenko:

Andrew Blenko (EMT-Paramedic - Retired) worked in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in the Pittsburgh area for 26 years, during which time he became interested in the unique story of Freedom House Ambulance Service, a legacy from which he and many others benefited greatly. Over the years, Andy has done extensive research into the service and wants to make sure this crucial though relatively unknown introduction to modern emergency medical services is not forgotten to history.  Mr. Blenko is also a volunteer with the Lincoln Highway Experience and has given a number of presentations on Lincoln Highway topics across Pennsylvania.