“Un’ambulanza in dono al paese”: la scelta del sindaco di Cerenzia per il suo compleanno

Salvatore Mascaro, the mayor of Cerenzia, has chosen to celebrate his 37th birthday by donating an ambulance to his community. The small town, with approximately 900 residents located in the Presila Crotonese region, has long faced challenges related to healthcare access. Mayor Mascaro, who took office in 2023, has consistently emphasized service to the public over personal gain, a philosophy reflected in his decisions since taking office. His latest initiative marks yet another step toward addressing local needs through direct action. The donation of the ambulance comes after years of financial contributions made by the mayor himself. From the outset of his tenure, he has declined his salary, redirecting all funds received to benefit the community. Initially, his monthly allowance was around 700 euros, which increased slightly during periods of leave. Every amount he receives is meticulously documented and allocated towards projects aimed at improving life in Cerenzia. These efforts have included initiatives such as a birth bonus of 200 euros per newborn, improvements to the cemetery, organization of local events, acquisition of equipment for maintaining public green spaces, and support for everyday necessities. In the early years of his administration, the mayor noted that these modest sums helped address critical gaps in funding for smaller towns, where larger grants like the PNRR are typically reserved for major infrastructure projects. The lack of adequate resources has led to a range of interventions designed to enhance daily living conditions. Among these, the mayor identified the need for better emergency services as particularly urgent. Healthcare accessibility has been a persistent issue in Cerenzia. The nearest hospital is located in San Giovanni in Fiore, some 12 kilometers away, while the closest major medical facility is in Crotone, nearly 35 kilometers distant. Emergency response times can vary significantly, and the mayor has personally experienced this challenge. Last year, his grandfather suffered a severe fall and had to wait approximately 45 minutes for medical assistance to arrive. This experience reinforced the necessity of having a reliable emergency service available locally. Mayor Mascaro’s decision to donate the ambulance is part of a broader effort to improve public health infrastructure in the area. He acknowledges that while ideal circumstances would see such services fully supported by the state, the reality requires proactive measures from local leaders. Given the aging population, approximately 70 percent of residents are over 60 years old, and the presence of two residential care facilities, the lack of nearby medical resources poses a serious risk. To ensure the ambulance is fully equipped and operational, the local charity Misericordia has launched a fundraising campaign via GoFundMe. While the vehicle is already in service, additional supplies and medical equipment are still needed. The mayor believes that collaboration among institutions, associations, and citizens is essential to delivering effective healthcare solutions tailored to the unique needs of rural areas. Looking ahead, Mayor Mascaro hopes to continue strengthening the services available to residents, ensuring that their quality of life improves with each passing year. His commitment to serving the community through tangible actions underscores a leadership style rooted in responsibility and responsiveness to local needs.