FARMINGTON — Franklin Memorial Hospital unveiled a recently painted member of its NorthStar fleet, an ambulance painted in a shiny purple-and-white color scheme.

It is detailed with multiple shades of purple with symbolic oversized ribbons to bring awareness to the issue of domestic violence. 

“It’s yet another representation of our organization’s ongoing commitment to domestic violence awareness, community education and support services,” said Gerald Cayer, Franklin Community Health Network executive vice president. “Police have reported that having local resources available and supporting awareness increases reports of domestic violence. This is an important step in breaking the chain of violence.”

Featured prominently on the ambulance is the message, “There are no excuses, period!” Also displayed is the area’s domestic violence helpline number and a link to view a six-minute video developed by staff at Franklin Memorial Hospital called “Break the Chain” Purple Glove Dance.

Cayer, along with NorthStar Director Mike Senecal and Regional Operations Manager Lee Ireland participated in a brainstorming discussion for the ambulance paint job, which was sparked after seeing Sugarloaf’s pink snowcat in December and earlier, Webber Energy Fuels’ pink propane delivery truck, both of which bring awareness to breast cancer.

The domestic-violence-awareness ambulance will dispatch out of all five NorthStar base locations: Farmington, Carrabassett Valley, Livermore, Phillips and Rangeley.

Each year NorthStar responds to more than 5,000 calls in 71 communities over the 2,800-square-mile area it serves.