Filling the transportation gap

A Vietnam veteran suffering from kidney failure didn’t have transportation to a crucial medical appointment.

A different Northeast Florida resident needed last-minute help to get to a morning chemotherapy treatment because her other mode of transportation was not available.

And a third person was facing missing several follow-up oncology appointments because of lack of transportation.

All three reached out to United Way 211, a 24/7 information and referral service hotline, which facilitated access to United Way of Northeast Florida’s Ride United program. The agency receives a strategic investment from Baptist Health as part of the health system’s commitment to the community and improving access to health care.

Providing a lifeline of hope

Calls to United Way 211 reflect the need low-income residents are facing when it comes to lack of transportation.

Ride United, launched in 2018 by United Way Worldwide and local United Ways in partnership with Lyft, connects low-income residents throughout nine Northeast Florida counties to health care and other essential destinations and services, like employment.

The program uses United Way 211's helpline infrastructure, robust data systems and network of trusted partners, including health care providers, social service agencies and workforce programs.

United Way continues to see an increased need for transportation, especially with rises in the price of food and other services while federal benefits have been affected in the past year. The number of rides more than doubled to 7,400 last year, up from 3,000 the year prior.

“People are looking at where they can cut expenses or budget better,” said Brittny Woodard, senior manager for the United Way 211 program. “Ride United temporarily helps people on fixed incomes. It’s not a permanent fix, but it’s there in case of emergencies and for short periods of time until residents can get back on their feet and determine their next steps.”

Baptist Health has a long history of helping the nonprofit, including funding in the past few years that helped Ride United more than double its reach and enable thousands more people to access medical appointments, job opportunities, education and other essential resources. Funding this year will provide several thousand free rides.

“Ride United provides an innovative solution to much-needed transportation services for medical care, employment and other essential services,” said Katie Ensign, Baptist Health’s vice president of Community Impact.

Woodard said Baptist Health’s investments allow individuals to continue to get to medical appointments when they otherwise might not be able to.

“Our seniors who are on limited income may not be able to access public transportation,” she said. “Some have multiple medical appointments or dialysis and may not be able to catch public transportation two hours early or ride multiple buses to get to their appointment. This funding opens opportunities for people to get to their appointments that otherwise may have been restricted.”

Woodard is thankful to Baptist Health and other supporters.

“Ride United is a valuable program for our community members to have their basic needs met,” she said. “We are always seeking partnerships from those we work with in the community to alleviate some of the transportation barriers we have in our region. We know public transportation can be limited in Jacksonville because it’s a large mass area. We want to make sure people in need of service have the same access as anyone else and can get to medical appointments, grocery stores and to pick up prescriptions.”

United Way 211 operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, connecting callers to trained resource specialists who provide available information on over 1,400 community services and resources, including Ride United. Anyone can dial 2-1-1 at no cost, text HELLO to 211904 or visit the 211 database online at unitedwaynefl.org/get-help.

Learn more about Baptist Health’s commitment to improving health and well-being in Northeast Florida by working together with local nonprofit agencies to address a variety of needs. Read the Community Health Needs Assessment.