In 1977, G. Anthony "Tony" Jones of the Waterville Elks Lodge #905 introduced the idea that the Maine Elks Association could purchase a vehicle, and provide testing for Diabetes and Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) to people across the State of Maine, free of charge. By providing this service, early detection of these potentially life threatening conditions is possible. Early detection of these conditions could possibly prevent serious medical problems in the future.

Shortly therefter, the Maine Elks Association voted to approve the idea, and the Maine Elks Diabetes-Hypertension Van program was underway. That year, the Maine Elks purchased a 1975 (17 ft) Recreational Vehicle and remodeled it.  Within a short period of time, it was discovered that entering and exiting the van was difficult, as it had only one door.

So, in 1983, a new 30 ft. Ford RV Van was purchased without windows, but had two doors. It was remodeled with three stations for testing inside. In 2003, the van was restored. The original unit (picured below), was based at the Waterville Elks Lodge #905.

In 2010, the Maine Elks Association sold the original vehicle, and purchased a newer recreational vehicle which had been used for medical testing. the new vehicle is pictured below, and is currently being stationed at the Waterville Elks Lodge. Operation and maintenance of the vehicle is taken care of by Committee Chairman Richard Willette of the Waterville Elks Lodge.

In 2011, the van was taken off the road, and a redevelopment of the program  took place. The program was updated to meet the latest medical requirements, as well as the development of Standard Operating Procedures. An operations manual was developed, which included checklists, driver testing requirements, and licensing requirements for medical staff. The association also designated the 1st Vice-President to oversee the program.

*There are 18.2 million people in the United States, or 6.3% of the population, who have diabetes. While an estimated 13 million have been diagnosed, unfortunately, 5.2 million people (or nearly one-third) are unaware that they have the disease. With 70,000 of them living in Maine.

**In addition, 50 million people in the United States have High Blood Pressure, or 32.8% of the population, with almost a quarter of Maine's population having this condition. The unforunate thing about these two life threatening conditions is that many people do not know they have it.  Because of this, the Maine Elks Association adopted this program as its first major project.

The Maine Elks Association are currently redeveloping the program, and the van is expected to be made available to the public for events beginning in the Spring of 2012. A request form will be made available on the website at that time.

Front of Van

Inside View of Van

Testing Area of Van

*statistics from the American Diabetes Association

**statistics from the American Heart Association

Copyright (c) 2004-2011 Maine Elks Association. All rights reserved.