◆ SpookStack

' yi SER Rtaln ete re R RMT ARE MP OR ya ales a od cag en) CE 157-6171 The Free Ambulance Program was not operational until January 25, 1974, despite bold predictions of an ambulance program before Christmas, 1973. Difficulty with the Federal Communications Commission and the general lack of funds delayed *) implementation and caused embarrassment to the BPP. All BPP personnel have, at one time or another, assisted in the Free Ambulance Program; however, at the present time, the Free Ambulance Program does not have an effective communications network nor are there any storage facilities available nor have there been any built at headquarters, which is a requirement in the State of North Carolina, to operate an ambulance. > Telephonic contact continues at BPP Headquarters with black citizens requesting use of the ambulance service which is without charge, and efforts are being made on a limited and _! selected basis to honor the requests. In view of the energy crisis, it became increasingly difficult to operate the Free Ambulance Program on a 24-hour, seven day a week basis, as had previously been promised to the black community by the BPP. Additionally, funds previously earmarked for the Free Ambulance Program were redirected to the LARRY LITTLE For Alderman" campaign and resulted in the “parking” . of the ambulance all but a few hours each day. ‘ Source: In the October 13, 1973, edition of the North Carolina Anvil, a student publication at Duke University, Durham, North Tarolina, there appeared on page 1 an article entitled “Free Service - Panther Vision." The article reported that the BPP in Winston Salem, with the full support of the city fathers, -9-